Vintage Nestlé Toll House Cookie Tin – 'Who Took the Last Cookie?' Edition
Nestlé (Manufactured for Nestlé Toll House) · Collectibles & Antiques > Kitchenware > Advertising Tins
Era / Decade
1980s (Circa 1984). While it features 1930s-1950s 'vintage' imagery, these specific square yellow tins were high-volume promotional items in the mid-80s.
Material
Lithographed tin-plated steel. Mid-grade quality typical of mass-produced promotional food containers.
Condition
Good. Visible paint chipping on the lid edges and top corners. Minor scuffing on the lithographed sides. No major dents or structural warping visible, though interior oxidation is likely present.
Demand Level
Moderate-Low. These were produced in massive quantities, making them easy to find. Demand is primarily from farmhouse-style decor enthusiasts or casual kitchenware collectors.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$10.00 - $22.00 (Low: $8, Mid: $15, High: $22 for pristine examples)
Estimated Retail Value
$5.00 - $8.00 (Current decorative value for modern equivalent)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay 'Sold' listings show individual tins in similar condition selling for $9.99 plus shipping. Pristine, shiny examples occasionally reach $20-$25. Large lots of 3-4 different Nestlé tins often sell for $35-$45.
Description
This square collectible tin features iconic Nestlé Toll House advertising graphics. One side depicts a woman with a plate of chocolate chip cookies with the text 'M-m-m Everybody's Making Toll House Cookies,' while the other side shows a child holding a cookie with the slogan 'Who Took The Last Toll House Cookie?'. The tin is a bright sunshine yellow with a removable lid. Approximately 7 inches tall.
Key Features
Nostalgic kitchen decor appeal; highly recognizable brand; dual-sided graphics; part of a larger series of Nestlé anniversary tins which encourages collectors to complete sets.
Authenticity Indicators
Authentic promotional item. Correct Nestlé logo for the era and specific '1939' date reference in the graphics (commemorating the original recipe). High confidence in authenticity; these are rarely faked because of their low original value.
Flaws to Note
Paint loss/chipping on the lid and edges; surface scratches; potential rust on the interior or bottom rim; slight fading of the yellow pigment if previously displayed in sunlight.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for targeted collectors), Etsy (best if marketed as 'Farmhouse Kitchen Decor'), or local Facebook Marketplace (if bundled with other kitchen items).
Selling Tips
Highlight the 'Farmhouse' and 'Grandmacore' aesthetic in keywords. Open the lid and photograph the inside to show if there is rust (a dealbreaker for food use). Use keywords like 'Litho,' 'Advertising Tin,' and 'Kitsch.' Best sold during the holiday baking season (Nov-Dec).