My maternal grandparents came to the United States from Switzerland, and the few possessions left from them are dearly treasured. Above is a coffee canister that belonged to my great-grandmother. She, my grandmother, my mother and I have all used it to store coffee.
I'm guessing from the top that it dates between 1900-1910, though judging by the crackly lithographed surface of the sides, it could be earlier. The top depicts Mercury, the name of the coffee brand and the god of commercial success — so appropriate for the Swiss! The sides depict the traditional dress of the various cantons (states) of Switzerland — I'll show them in pairs.
 |
| Bern | Graubünden |
 |
| St. Gallen | Zürich |
 |
| Genève | Tessin |
Switzerland has four languages — German, French, Italian and Romansh. Romansh has strong roots in the everyday Latin used by early Roman occupiers of the region, and is spoken by approximately 9% of the Swiss population. It's represented by the second side of the canister, Graubünden. Switzerland has 26 cantons in all, so this canister represents just a few of the country's striking costumes.
Naturally, in a country that is so multilingual, labels are often in several languages. This is the bottom of the canister.
I don't know about you, but I'm ready for another cup of coffee.
.
Hello Mark:
ReplyDeleteYour house we really believe to be an absolute treasure trove for you have the capacity to continue to produce one interesting item after another as if from an Aladdin's Cave. This is such an unusual and attractive tin and we love the thought that it has been handed down within your family and is still used by you for its original purpose.
Your tin speaks to two of my favorite features--antiques/collectibles that are also heirlooms, and those that are still in some kind of real use. The "Swiss Misses" on the panels are great, as are the very Swiss colorful-flower garlands.
ReplyDeleteThat is a fun idea associating Mercury with coffee. Now we know where he got the energy to move so quickly and power those wings on his feet.
Hello Mark, What a charming coffee tin. And what a fine treasure you have! Even more special because it belonged and was used by the women in your family, and now by you. On special occasions the Swiss still wear their costumes but I have not seen any as beautiful as those shown on your tin.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your special treasure with us.
Hello Jane and Lance:
ReplyDeleteI live in a very small house and most of the items I share come from collections that are comprised of things small or flat, or both. Now that I think of it, from childhood onward, I've been most attracted to small treasures.
Hi, Parnassus - I missesd a bet by not naming this posting "Swiss Misses!" And I agree that an antique that can be used is honored more than the antique on a shelf, behind glass. I have all sorts of things — rubber bands, paper clips, stamps, coffee, tea, sugar, coins and buttons — stored around the house in antique containers, and I use some antique implements that still work well. One of my favorites is a hand saw that is well over a hundred years old. It has the original carpenter's name stamped into the handle, and a sight on the blade. It's as sharp as ever and I've cut many a branch with it.
ReplyDeleteHi again, Parnassus - I wanted to add that you've given me an image of a fast-talking Mercury starting his day at the espresso machine!
ReplyDeleteHello, Gina, I hpe the Swiss ladies haven't updated their costumes too much, or gone generic! I love looking at all the subtle differences. I know from the antique advertising I've collected that the Bernese wore a straw hat, rather than a lacy bonnet.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have such a special tin in your family. Not only is it beautiful and full of memories, but it still holds coffee as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of 'smalls' too, Mark.
Hi, Yvette - As you know, I'm a collector of beautifully crafted antique buttons. When I add one to my collection, I'm just sure I get as big a buzz as Andrew Mellon did when buying a Van Dyke!
ReplyDeleteMark, your photographs have really done this tin justice! I also love the style of Mercury which although not keeping with the rest of the tin, is just fabulous. I remember many years ago when I was in my teens I went to an auction with a friend of mine and I bough a huge lot of mixed old tins dating back to the 30's for a dollar. (start of my love affair with tins) I still have most of them!
ReplyDeleteHi, David - Wish I'd been to that auction!!
ReplyDeleteI love your Swiss coffee tin with its strong family links. I flew over the magnificent Swiss Alps today, they were looking gorgeous, snow on the tops, and green in the valleys.
ReplyDeleteHi, Rosemary - I wish I could have been on that flight — I've never been to Switzerland!
ReplyDeletewhat I love the most is that you use the tin and make it a part of your daily life! I love to see that happen instead of putting an item on a shelf to merely dust.
ReplyDeleteHi, Theresa - I quite agree that pretties are to be used. My mother always said, regarding using the good china or silverware, "The best is barely good enough!"
ReplyDeleteMark,
ReplyDeleteI imagine your home having this fantastical attic like quality with treasures just waiting to be shared. You always hit the right note with show and tell. This tin is certainly a keeper.
Michael
Hi, Michael - Who's that in the Foster Grants? Thanks for the comment — there are more fantastical items yet to be tapped, so stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you still use this heirloom daily. Beautiful .
ReplyDeleteAnyes
XX
Thanks, Anyes - I love having the connection to the previous owners, especially my grandmother, who introduced me to coffee!
ReplyDelete