An original Lyons’ Tea advertising tin dating to the 1930s–40s, featuring a rare novelty spinner lid. This octagonal tin is decorated on all sides with colourful lithographed horse racing scenes and cheering crowds. The lid is printed “Lyons’ Tea – The Grand National Drink” and includes numbered horses around the edge, along with a central spinner for a betting-style parlour game. Around the rim, the tin highlights the Lyons’ tea grades: Green Label, Red Label, White Label, Blue Label and Orange Label.
In good antique condition with some expected surface wear, scratches and areas of litho loss, but retaining much of its colour and charm. Interior with oxidisation. The lid fits well and the spinner is present and working.
A highly collectable piece of British advertising history, appealing to both tea tin collectors and horse racing enthusiasts.
Dimensions:
Height: 14 cm
Width: 9 cm
Depth: 9 cm
Advertising tins with interactive features such as spinners, games, or moving parts are particularly prized by collectors. Unlike standard storage tins, these novelty designs were created to capture the public’s attention and encourage repeat purchases, making them both functional and entertaining. Surviving examples with their original mechanisms intact are increasingly hard to find, and their crossover appeal to collectors of advertising, packaging, and themed memorabilia (such as sporting or racing) adds to their value.