"Nostalgic Van Melle Horse Race Tin: A Journey through Vintage History"

"Nostalgic Van Melle Horse Race Tin: A Journey through Vintage History"

• Manufacturer: Van Melle Rotterdam
• Manufacturing Date: 1950s / 1960s

Product Description
Experience a piece of history with this vintage tin from Van Melle, beautifully adorned with an image of an exciting horse race. It is a product of the renowned Van Melle Rotterdam, manufactured somewhere between the 1950s and 1960s.

This rectangular tin features a hinged closure lid and has an attractive decoration. On a white background, the lid showcases a vibrant illustration of two riders on horseback, dressed in striking orange/red. The scene depicts a captivating racing tableau, complete with a white and a black horse.

The sides of the tin display the same enchanting scene, albeit in black and white. The interior and bottom shine in a silver hue and the Van Melle logo proudly adorns the underside.

Condition and Dimensions:
Although this tin has weathered time well, it shows some charming signs of use and age-related wear, contributing to its vintage appeal. The height is 9 cm, the length is 25.5 cm, and the width is 17 cm.

The origin of Van Melle dates back to around 1840 when it began as a bakery in Breskens. Initially selling sugar balls, it was not until 1900 that Izaak van Melle started their mechanical production. The company grew steadily, and in the 1920s, Dirk-Machiel, Izaak's brother, established a factory for biscuits and wafers, including the famous Mariakaakje.

From 1926, international recipes were sought, leading to the production of toffees, fruit caramels, and peppermint caramels. These treats, known as Fruittella and Mentos, still enjoy worldwide popularity.

Despite setbacks, such as the heavy bombing of Breskens in 1944 that also hit the factory, Van Melle rose again in 1946 and continued production in Rotterdam. The company found its way to markets far beyond borders and even acquired the first corporate aircraft in the Netherlands, the Dubbele Arend, in 1935. The rich history of Van Melle is reflected not only in its products but also in this beautiful vintage tin, forming a tangible connection to a past filled with craftsmanship and delicacies.