Preliminary identification

Vintage Boysen Plasolux Paint Cans, No. 553 Transparent

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a pair of vintage, unopened Boysen Plasolux paint cans featuring their iconic, highly graphic eagle logo. The striking blue, yellow, and orange lithographed tin design represents a golden era of American industrial packaging and advertising. Plasolux was celebrated for its durable, 'mirror-like' synthetic finish, a major technological leap forward in mid-century home improvement.

Story

In the mid-20th century, the Walter N. Boysen Company revolutionized West Coast DIY culture. Their bold eagle logo promised strength and modern synthetic durability to post-war homeowners. These cans survived decades unopened, preserving a literal slice of mid-century design history.

Maker / Origin

The Walter N. Boysen Company was a prominent West Coast paint manufacturer founded in Oakland, California. Known for their high-quality enamels and innovative synthetic formulas, Boysen became a household name in the mid-20th century. Their distinctive graphic branding, particularly the majestic eagle carrying a paint droplet, made their products instantly recognizable on hardware store shelves.

Condition & Value

The cans show minor surface rust on the top and bottom metal rims, with some light scuffing and paint splatters on the lithographed bodies. However, the graphics remain incredibly bright, legible, and free of major denting. Excellent preservation for utilitarian items of this age.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.