Lot 186320: Mac Baren's Golden Extra Tobacco Tin with U.S. Military Buttons, c. 1970s

Auction

Estate Auction: Multiple-Estate Liquidation Roseville, CA (191)

Lot Number

186320

Status

Sold

Hammer / Price

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Opening Bid

$5.00

Accepted Bids

13

Closed

3/19/26 7:23 PM PT

Description

A vintage Mac Baren's 'Golden Extra' ready-rubbed pipe tobacco tin, 3½ oz capacity, containing an assortment of U.S. Army General Service–style gilt metal buttons and pipe accessories. The round lithographed tin, 4.5 inches in diameter, features a cream and brown color scheme with the Halberg family coat of arms — two lions flanking a crowned shield bearing the initials 'HH' for Harald Halberg, who acquired the firm in 1887. Mac Baren Tobacco Company, founded in Denmark in 1826 by Svend Bønnelycke, introduced the Golden Extra blend (marketed as 'Golden Blend' outside the United States) in 1954 as a mild mixture of matured Burley and light Virginia tobaccos. This tin was imported by Fireside Industries, Inc., of Moonachie, New Jersey, with a retail price stamp of $1.47 consistent with 1970s-era pricing. The contents comprise thirteen or more gold-tone buttons of various sizes, each bearing a relief of the Great Seal of the United States — eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows — in the pattern prescribed for U.S. Army General Service use since 1902. Also included are a silver-tone figural pipe tool, likely a tamper or scraper, and a gold-tone tie bar with chain, along with assorted metal fasteners and clips. The assemblage reflects the common domestic practice of repurposing sturdy tobacco tins as household 'button boxes.' Tin shows surface scratches, edge wear, and patina consistent with age; buttons exhibit varying degrees of tarnish. Overall in good used condition with no significant damage.