{HISTORY}

With clever marketing that advertised itself as a vacation from ordinary pipe tobacco and an adventure in good smoking, Holiday was the fastest-growing pipe mixture in the U.S. in the 1940s.

Manufactured by Larus & Brother Co. in Richmond, VA from the 1940s-1960s, Holiday Pipe Mixture offered a proprietary blend of six different types of tobacco making it one of the first aromatic blends to debut on the market. It contained regional tobacco from the American South (Louisiana perique, Carolina buttery flake, white Kentucky burley, bright Virginia), an international tobacco (latakia from Cyprus), and a secret 6th ingredient that kept customers loyal and competitors guessing. That was the hallmark style of Larus & Bro, who had a long history of tobacco manufacturing in the United States. 

Founded by Charles & Herbert Larus in 1877, Larus & Brother Co. produced several popular tobacco brands of the 20th century including Edgeworth, the bestseller of the early 20th century. Located on Tobacco Row in Richmond, VA, Larus & Brother was family-run for its entire 140-year run before it was sold to Rothman's of Canada in the late 1960s. 

With dynamic and colorful packaging, Larus & Bro. utilized themes of adventure, relaxation, and exploration to promote their products to mostly male consumers during a time when smoking was considered both a masculine activity and a relaxing pastime. Promoting a true vacation vibe with its ships and sailboats, and a silhouette of a palm tree. Holiday Pipe Mixture was available in small soft packs and large metal cans. This one is the 16 oz size. It sold for $1.23 in 1949, which is about $15.00 today. 

Not every tobacco tin can be easily dated to a certain time period, but this one can since it retains its original 1940s New Hampshire 3 1/2 cents tobacco tax stamp on the bottom. 

Today, this container is fun for all sorts of decorating and dreaming. A great catch-all for storage or organization purposes, it also makes a great plant holder, a flatware container, gift packaging, and a piggy bank - perhaps encouraging a little vacation saving for your next holiday travel fund.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• 16 oz size
• 1940s-era tobacco stamp on bottom
• Colors include mint green, black, tangerine and emerald green 

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition, this tin is bright in color with crisp, clear graphics. There is some scuffing around the exterior which is to be expected with age and use. There is light surface rust in some spots on the inside at bottom and on the bottom of the exterior. The tin itself is very strong and sturdy. Please see photos. 

{SIZE}

Measures 5.25" inches (diamter) x 5" inches (height) and weighs 6 oz.