Coffee Can

Coffee Can

Coffee Can

Have you ever thought of collecting coffee cans? Porcelain Coffee cans - the term distinguishes the coffee cup from the teacup, though they share the same saucer, are decorative and eminently collectibles.

Porcelain coffee cans were fashionable in Georgian and early Victorian society circles where they were purchased as part of a complete dinner and tea service.

At that time, coffee was very fashionable and very expensive.

Most leading factories, including Derby, Worcester, Miles Mason, Coalport, New Hall and Minton produced coffee cans.

Coffee Can

Coffee cans range in price from £95 to £350

The earliest blue and white coffee cans, from 1790 upwards, are very specialist and rather expensive.

They were originally made in 'trios' - a coffee can, teacup and deep saucer which they would share."

It's still possible to pick up a later coffee can in a charity shop or at a boot sale - though the best examples will be at fairs and specialist dealers.

Coffee Can

More and more people are becoming fascinated by them.

One of my customers bought five which she uses at dinner parties. Each guest has a different coffee can for their after dinner coffee and it provides an interesting talking point."

These decorative coffee cans are becoming increasingly popular and are set to increase in value.

Each factory produced cans in many patterns and colours, in simple and complex designs, sometimes with painted scenes, often with fine gilding and also a variety of handle shapes.

Coffee Can

All the different elements help identify the manufacturer. Collectors often prefer to acquire a wide variety of cans made by different factories.

Although most collectors want fine quality examples with attractive patterns and in good condition, really keen collectors will buy a can in any state if it's a very rare piece.

They are quite affordable and you can still buy a trio for between £180 to £400.

Coachs care tips are not to put them in the dishwasher, to stand them up - not hang them up, and to wash them in hot, not boiling, water. "Don't forget you could be handling something that's 100 years old or more.

Coffee Can

Coffee can collector's tips

Try to collect coffee cans from different factories - makes an intriguing collection

May be you'll find the odd example at aboot fair or charity shop

Look after your coffee cans with care

Identify different china houses by the handles and marks

Beware of fakes - there are some' Derby' coffee cans which are not genuine

The term 'can' refers to the cylinder shape

Look out for the 'trios' - there are a few still remaining.

Collectibles Coach