Early 20th C. Tin Lined Litho Wood Tea Chest
Updated August 7, 2026
| Lot number | 191 |
| Estimate | 150.00 - 1,000.00 CDN |
| Auction | 336-EWIA Enchere Selection / Select Live Auction-8/1-8/25 |
| Date | August 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM EDT |
| Auction house | Encan West Island Auctions |
| Location | Kilmarnock, VA, Virginia |
Early 20th-Century Lithographed Wood Retail Display Tea Chest/Shipping Crate – "New Season's Pan Fired Japan Tea" for G.E. Barbour Company Limited (Saint John, N.B.) circa 1910–30s. The exterior displays lithographed paper overlays depicting Japanese tea harvest scenes, explicitly marked for the G.E. Barbour Company Limited of Saint John, New Brunswick. Structurally sound with heavy, honest wear commensurate with age and commercial use. See photos for condition. 24" H × 28" W × 19" D Collector's Note: G.E. Barbour Company was established in 1867 in Saint John, New Brunswick, and became one of Atlantic Canada's most prominent wholesale grocery, tea, and spice importers (well known for "King Cole" tea). Large wooden chests like this were used to transport bulk tea directly from Japan to Canadian blenders and distributors. While many were utilitarian stenciled boxes, this premium variant utilizes full-panel lithography to serve a dual purpose as an in-store promotional display once it arrived at a general store.
Register & bid on this lot at Bidspirit →
More lots in this auction
- 1984 Montreal Expos Promotional Glasses Set of 4
- Iittala Centennial Alvar Aalto Savoy Glass Vase
- 4 "Avila" Hand-Blown Boho Glass Goblets
- Crown Staffordshire Bird Teacup &Saucer Set
- 4 "Avila" Hand-Blown Boho Glass Goblets
- Hoffman Model 811 Bentwood Prague Chair
- Manon Delorme Studio Pottery Fish Platter
- Artie George Hand-Carved Raven Pendant Necklace
See all lots in 336-EWIA Enchere Selection / Select Live Auction-8/1-8/25 →