When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Authentic early W.H. Baker’s Best Cocoa metal container featuring the company name, “Trade Mark” and “Best Cocoa” embossed into the removable oval lid. W.H. Baker established his cocoa business near Winchester, Virginia in 1893 and became involved in notable trademark disputes with the better-known Walter Baker & Co. chocolate company of Dorchester, Massachusetts. An example of W.H. Baker’s Best Cocoa packaging is held in the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. This surviving container has a wonderfully aged dark metal patina and measures approximately 4 inches tall by 3 inches wide. The original paper advertising label is no longer present, leaving the plain metal body, while the embossed lid permanently identifies the product and maker. The underside/interior of the removable lid retains a much brighter metal finish and shows the embossed lettering in reverse. A fascinating piece of early American food, cocoa, kitchen and advertising history with great primitive industrial character for display in an antique kitchen, general store, pantry or advertising collection. Empty; sold as a collectible only.
Item Specifics
* Brand: W.H. Baker’s
* Product: Best Cocoa
* Type: Cocoa Tin / Food Container
* Original/Reproduction: Original
* Era: Early 20th Century
* Estimated Date: Early 1900s
* Material: Metal
* Color: Dark Gray / Aged Metal
* Features: Embossed Removable Lid
* Advertising: W.H. Baker’s Best Cocoa
* Place Associated With Brand: Winchester, Virginia
* Theme: Food & Beverage Advertising / Cocoa / Chocolate
* Approx. Size: 4” tall x 3” wide
* Contents: Empty
Condition
Antique pre-owned condition with substantial age-related patina, oxidation, surface wear, scratches, discoloration and small areas of rust consistent with its age. Original paper advertising label is no longer present. Removable lid is present and the embossed W.H. Baker’s Best Cocoa lettering remains clearly readable. The underside/interior of the lid is considerably brighter than the exterior. Please review all photos closely for the most accurate representation of condition.
