Artist/Maker
R. C. Williams & Co. Inc.
founded 1811
The Famous Royal Scarlet Brand Orange Pekoe Tea Balls tin
1940s
Printed metal
Overall (closed): 3 1/8 in. × 3 1/8 in. (7.9 × 7.9 cm)
Gift of an anonymous donor
2016.36.3
R.C. Williams was founded in 1811 on South Street as wholesale grocery commission merchants. Located nearby New York’s active shipping docks, Williams became known for importing, exporting, and distributing such goods as rum, sugar, and canned foods. The firm also distributed its own international brands, a venture that began with the Royal Scarlet line of foods. In the early 1930s, R. C. Williams built a large warehouse on the High Line so that the firm could take advantage of the city’s elevated freight lines.
MarkingsMarked: Verso: “The Famous / ROYAL / SCARLET / BRAND / ORANGE PEKOE / TEA BALLS / R. C. WILLIAMS & CO., INC., N. Y. / FOUNDED 1811.” Recto: “DIRECTIONS / HOT TEA / . . . .” and “ICED TEA / . . . .” and “CONTENTS – 16 TEA BALLS / NET WEIGHT NOT LESS THAN 1 OZ./ A. C. 15 A-0111.” Lid: “The Famous / ROYAL / SCARLET / BRAND / ORANGE PEKOE / TEA BALLS”
ClassificationsADVERTISING & BUSINESS EPHEMERA
Object NameTin
