Overview
The item is explicitly marked on the base 'MANUFACTURED BY ARTSTYLE CHOCOLATE COMPANY BOSTON ST. LOUIS U. S. A. ' alongside the circular stamp of the tin manufacturer, 'METAL PACKAGE CORP. OF NEW YORK'.
Identification
Vintage Artstyle Chocolates Lithographed Tin Box
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Story
This tin was manufactured by the Artstyle Chocolate Company, which operated out of Boston and St. Louis. The metalwork was produced by the Metal Package Corp. of New York, a company active under this name from the late 1910s until it was absorbed by National Can in the mid-1930s. These tins were originally sold as premium packaging for chocolates and were intentionally designed with Colonial Revival motifs so they could be repurposed as sewing or keepsake boxes.
Maker / Origin
Artstyle Chocolate Company / Metal Package Corp. of New York
Condition & Value
The item exhibits significant interior rust and moderate exterior surface wear and scratching. This level of wear directly impacts its decorative appeal and limits its crossover potential for buyers wanting to use it for clean storage.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for 1920s-1930s decorative packaging tins is steady but niche, driven primarily by condition and aesthetic appeal. Pristine examples with vibrant lithography command strong premiums, while rusted or dented examples trade as entry-level decor. The market is most active on fixed-price online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay, whereas traditional auction houses tend to group these into bulk lots.
Value Drivers
▲ Clear, verifiable maker's marks for both the chocolate company and the tin manufacturer confirm the 1920s-1930s era.
▲ Colonial Revival motif remains a popular, recognizable aesthetic for vintage decor buyers.
▲ Hinged box form factor retains utilitarian value as a small storage or display piece.
Concerns
▼ Significant interior rust severely limits crossover appeal to buyers wanting to use it for clean storage.
▼ Moderate exterior scratching and wear dulls the lithography, preventing it from reaching the pristine collector tier.
▼ Unverified dimensions and hinge functionality could further depress value if the lid does not close flush.
Best Venue
Given the modest individual value and condition issues, listing this as a single item at a traditional auction is not recommended due to fees. It is best suited for a fixed-price marketplace like Etsy, eBay, or Mercari with an asking price around $15-$20, accepting offers. Alternatively, bundling it with other vintage tins or sewing notions could create a more attractive lot for buyers.
Upside Potential
If the exterior lithography cleans up better than expected and the hinges are perfectly flush, it could reach the $20-$25 high-retail range. However, significant upside beyond $30 is unlikely given the confirmed interior rust.
▾Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 2 comps
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 2 comps
- eBay· 2026-04-26Vintage Artstyle Chocolate Company Boston & St. Louis - Art Deco Tin - Hinged Lid & Victorian ArtLink could not be verified.$25
- eBayVintage c.1920s Art Deco Tindeco Colonial Style House Candy Chocolate TinDifferent maker (Tindeco instead of Artstyle Chocolate Company).$25