The Hills Brothers got their start in the coffee business in the 1880s, and introduced their own brand in 1900, employing the new technology of vacuum packaging in the 1920s to keep the roasted and ground coffee fresh over time and distance. They didn't invent the vacuum process (the can says the "original vacuum pack"), but they made the most of it, taking years for competing brands such as the nearby Folger's San Francisco company to employ the same process.

This can measures the standard 3.5 (9 cm) x 5 (13 cm) inches and is in good condition with near perfect paint except for a few tiny scratches. Slip lid is rusty on top but rest of can is clean. Still looks good from the side on a shelf, so this is a perfect bit for a country or general store display. With the lid it makes a perfect storage container, candle holder, planter, or pen and pencil can. Or it could be for the something special you want to keep from the rest of the world. Shipped free in the US. Check out our other advertising collectibles at www.ebay.com/str/agitpropshop.

DK0237582