4 Vintage Snack Tin Designs That Have Quietly Gained Value

What was once a common item in many homes has become something collectors now prize. If you still have old biscuit or snack tins tucked away, they may be worth far more than you’d expect. These containers once held biscuits, wafers, and other treats, and were often discarded after being emptied. Today, some of the most distinctive retro designs, helped by unusual shapes, nostalgic artwork, and scarcity, can fetch impressive sums.

4. National Biscuit Company Uneeda “Scotch Style Short Cake” Tin

Examples of this tin have appeared on eBay, where they’ve attracted attention from collectors looking for rare snack tins. Produced by the National Biscuit Company, it may seem plain at first glance, but certain examples have commanded notable prices.

One scarce, excellent-condition Scotch Style Short Cake tin sold for $99.99 in a recent sale. That said, eBay listings suggest values vary widely, and many examples typically fall somewhere between $7 and $20, depending on condition.

3. McVitie & Price Peter Rabbit Tin

For anyone drawn to classic retro artwork, this design is an easy standout. McVitie & Price Peter Rabbit tins have climbed in value over time, helped by their nostalgic appeal.

Made in 1939, the octagonal tins combine vintage snack packaging with one of the era’s best-known children’s characters. At the Dominic Winter auction house, one set sold for about $400 in a recent auction.

2. William Crawford & Sons Atlantic Ocean Liner Tin

Another highly distinctive piece is the William Crawford & Sons Atlantic Ocean Liner Tin. As the name implies, the tin is shaped like an ocean liner, making it especially memorable among retro snack containers.

According to Homes and Antiques, examples like this have brought strong prices, with one selling for more than $800 in 2014. An example from the 1920s from the same brand reportedly reached over $15,000 at one point. Even so, the ocean liner version stands out for its elaborate design.

1. Huntley & Palmers Double-Decker Clockwork Bus Tin

One of the best-known retro snack tins is the Huntley & Palmers Double-Decker Clockwork Bus Tin, shaped like a double-decker bus. Its value has risen sharply over the years, reaching $2,000 in 2019.

With its unusual form and detailed styling, it has secured a place among the most distinctive and sought-after vintage tins.