Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a beautifully preserved, lithographed metal typewriter ribbon tin produced for the legendary Meier & Frank department store's stationery department. Featuring a striking crimson red and black Art Nouveau-inspired border, it represents a bygone era of office supply branding where even utilitarian items were treated as works of art.
Story
In the 1920s, Portland's Meier & Frank was one of the nation's premier department stores. This tin held a premium typewriter ribbon, promising a 'non-typefilling' ink that wouldn't clog the keys of a busy secretary's machine.
Maker / Origin
Meier & Frank was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1857 by Aaron Meier and Sigmund Frank. It grew into a massive regional empire, famous for its grand, multi-story flagship store that occupied an entire city block and even featured its own pharmacy, grocery, and post office.
Condition & Value
The tin shows light surface wear, minor scuffing, and some dust/residue consistent with age, but the lithography remains bright and highly legible with minimal rust. Excellent preservation of the red color, which is prone to fading. Good condition overall.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.