While tin might be considered the antique of metals, remnants of its dominant presence in the world since its extraction and earliest use during the Bronze Age are evident today in everything from such everyday objects as soda cans and food containers to our modern vernacular (think: “Tin Pan Alley,”, Frank Baum’s “Tin Man” character).

For this issue, we start in the 17th century with the use and manufacture of tinplate in the making of everyday utilitarian objects across mainland Europe and especially Britain and move on to the 18th century when items made of tin became a new, Made in American commodity after the Revolutionary War and itinerant peddlers roamed the countryside selling the wares of tinners looking to make extra money. We then explore the many ways the use of tin became what are today decorative and collectible items from the 19th through mid-20th century.

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