The flavors of Whitman's Chocolates is rare and fine...

{HISTORY}

In the 1940s, how did you spoil WWII servicemen and women stationed overseas? You sent them a pound of America's favorite chocolates , Whitman’s, in specially created containers meant to withstand the journey and the climate.

Debuting in 1941, Whitman's Land Sea and Air chocolate tins featured the New York City skyline, a round shape, and their special hermetically sealed style of packaging. Just like coffee tins of the era, these overseas travelers had to be opened with a special key taped to the bottom of each tin. This ensured that each tin of chocolates would arrive fresh and secure no matter the weather or the climate in which it was headed. 

Filled mostly by women on the factory line, legend states that in addition to adding chocolates, these ladies also sometimes tucked a handwritten note of encouragement and good cheer inside. A sweet gesture and a welcome surprise to recipients far from home, during WWII over six million of these Land Sea and Air tins were sent to military personnel abroad. When the war was over, the tins were still being sold in America into the early 1950s as care packages, but this time for more peaceful situations - kids away at camp and friends and family living abroad. Today, they are a very hard-to-find collector's item. 

This one is in fabulous shape with clear imagery of the New York City skyline, its original lid, and a clean interior. Colors include chocolate brown, clay, black, and amber. Beautiful from all directions, the skyline is featured on the lid and also wraps around 2/3rds of the base with an ingredient list and a note on packaging making up the rest.

Just as fun for WWII collectors as for chocolate lovers and city dwellers, this tin, thanks to its tight-fitting but easy-to-remove lid, makes a great storage box. Its pretty autumn color palette is also fun for display and gift-giving. 

Vintage advertisement courtesy of the Morgan County Democrat, Dec 11, 1941

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Rare, hard-to-find Whitman's tin
• Two-piece set includes base and removable lid

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition, this tin is entirely intact with no rusty areas, scratches, or dents. The interior is clean, and the lid fits securely but is also easy to remove. Please see photos. 

{SIZE}

Measures 5" inches (diameter) x 3.75" inches (height) and weighs 6 oz.