Preliminary identification

Hills Bros. 'Everfresh' Vacuum Packed Coffee Tin

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A classic example of early 20th-century lithographed advertising, this tin features the bold 'Everfresh' branding used by Hills Bros. to market their revolutionary vacuum-sealing process.

Story

San Francisco was the coffee capital of the West in the late 1800s, but the real revolution happened in 1900 when R.W. Hills perfected the vacuum-packing process.

Maker / Origin

Founded by brothers Austin and Reuben Hills in 1878, Hills Bros. Coffee became an icon of American industry. They are most famous for being the first to vacuum-pack coffee and for their 'Taster…

Condition & Value

The tin shows significant signs of age, including surface rust (oxidation) on the top and bottom rims and some scuffing to the lithographed body. The graphics remain largely legible and the yellow pigment has held its color well, but the overall wear is consistent with a utilitarian kitchen item.

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

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD