Tobacco box (4) - Brass, Copper - Iserlohn Can Lot

Convolute (4x) Iserlohn Tobacco Tin Dishes / Tabbottations – High-quality Edition Reproductions after historical originals (18th century) – Brass & Copper, punched “Cx”

Short description:

An exquisite set of four collectible tins is up for auction, crafted in the unmistakable style of the famous 18th-century Iserlohn tobacco tins. The pieces impress with detailed, relief-like rolling embossings on brass lids and bases, set in a reddish-glowing copper body. These objects are masterful edition reproductions (including from the Christophery company, Iserlohn) from the second half of the 20th century, highly sought after by collectors due to their excellent manufacturing quality and faithful historical originals. All tins bear the iconic manufacturer and edition mark “Cx” (crowned) on the back.

Details for each tin (top to bottom):

• Tin 1: Motif “The Red-Shouldered Hunt / Parforce Hunting”
• Lid: Dynamic relief depiction of a baroque hunting party on horseback with hounds, pursuing a stag. Subtitled with a historical maxim.
• Base: Smooth, glossy brass finish.
• Tin 2: Motif “Fridericus Magnus / Prussia Propaganda”
• Lid: Splendid portrait of Frederick the Great (Fridericus Magnus Borussorum Rex) in armor with a baton, flanked by baroque ornaments and a text cartouche.
• Base: Elaborate monogram beneath the Prussian royal crown, flanked by the Prussian eagle and palm branches with Latin inscription.
• Tin 3: Motif “City View Hamburg”
• Lid: Detailed historical panorama view of the Hanseatic city of Hamburg with the Elbe silhouette, ships and prominent church towers (including St. Michaelis, St. Nikolai). Below, an extensive city-historical legend in text form.
• Base: Entirely punched floral Baroque scrollwork (Rococo style).
• Tin 4: Motif “The Victory of Prussia at Torgau”
• Lid: Historical battle and triumph depiction of the famous Battle of Torgau (1760, Seven Years’ War) with densely packed cavalry and infantry scenes and a dedication text.
• Base: Smooth, glossy brass finish.

Technical data & condition:

• Material: Lids & bases made of brass, walls (body) made of copper.
• Hinges: Robust, three-part pin hinges with copper center (fully functional).
• Form: Elongated, pocket-sized shape with rounded corners (faithful to the baroque originals).
• Dimensions (per tin): 155 mm x 45 mm x 30 mm (L x W x H).
• Total weight (all 4 tins): 686.8 g (approximately 171 g per tin).
• Marking/Punch: Each back side stamped in the copper strip with the edition mark “Cx” (crowned).
• Condition: Very good (excellent, collectible condition). The reliefs are crisply engraved, the tins close properly. Minimal, age-related storage traces and a subtle authentic metal patina that enhances the historical character. No deep scratches or dents.

Notes for bidders:

The Iserlohner tobacco tin is regarded as the earliest mass-produced advertising and propaganda medium in German history (notably during the Seven Years’ War). This lot brings together four of the most sought-after and historically significant motifs in fantastically preserved condition. Perfect as a noble decorative set, for tobacco-historians or as a focal point in a display case.