By Anne Gilbert
Enquirer contributor

Even in these financially uncertain times, rare and unusual advertising tins still find buyers willing to pay over estimate when they come to auction.

The Nov. 22 James D. Julia auction of advertising, toys and dolls in Maine was no exception. Several Mayo Tobacco roly-poly advertising tins sold for more than $400 each. One example depicting a storekeeper brought $488.75.

Q&A

Question: I have a clock made by Mastercrafters Clock and Radio Co., Chicago. It is model 551 (Swinging Playmates), a boy and girl swinging in an alcove above the base. Can you tell me anything about it ? Answer: The company made novelty clocks and radios in the 1940s and 1950s. Clocks similar to yours sell in shops for around $125.

Collector interest in old advertising tins began in the 1960s. At the time there were still plenty of authentic and unusual items to be found in basements and at the flea markets for under $1. These days, even examples from the l950s, '60s and '70s are selling for $30 to $100.

In the '60s , when small groceries and drugstores closed to make way for supermarkets, Coca-Cola tins, breadboxes and advertising signs were tossed. Those same items today are worth hundreds.

Colorful lithography first was used successfully on tin by Huntley, Boorne and Stevens of England in 1877. By the end of the century, companies were hiring artists to showcase their products on tin. Much of the appeal of old tins is influenced by the subject and quality of the art.

Early designs often depicted popular fads and fashions, from the mid-Victorian era, through Art Nouveau and into Art Deco.

Subjects that bring top dollar include sports heroes, famous American heroes and American Indians. If you are lucky enough to discover an Arrow Coffee tin with Indian graphics, it could be worth more than $1,000.

One of the most popular tins was for Log Cabin Syrup (1920s, '30s) made in the form of a log cabin. Now scarce, it sells in shops for more than $100.

Once you've decided a tin is authentic, check the condition. If it has a lid, it should be the original. If the tin has been retouched or repainted, pass it up. If there is a recent scratch on the bottom it could have been caused by removing a recent copyright date in order to sell it as old.

Good opportunities exist for beginning tin collectors. Some good examples are the cookie and candy tins depicting famous hotels, such as the Plaza in New York, or the tin depicting the main house at Sutter Home's winery.

Basements and attics at house sales, as well as garage sales, still can turn up old tins. Also check the gourmet food sections in stores to find unusual new possibilities.

Contact Anne Gilbert by mail: c/o Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202. Photos cannot be returned.