The Hills Brothers got theirstart in the coffee business in San Francisco in the 1880s, and introducedtheir own brand in 1900, employing the new technology of vacuum packaging tokeep the roasted and ground coffee fresh over time and distance. They didn'tinvent the vacuum process (the can claims the "The Original Vacuum Pack"but not so), but they made the most of it, taking years for competing brandssuch as the nearby Folger's Company to employ the same process.

This can measures the standard3.5 x 5 inches (9 x 13 cm) inches and is in immaculate condition, with only afew of the tiniest scratches except for the bottom, which has a nice patina ofcorrosion. Who sees the bottom? Looks great from the sides or top on a shelf,so this is a perfect bit for a recreated country or general store display. Youcan still see the stamped price of 72 cents on the top. The yellow lid was toadvertise that the can was 5 cents off, a fact noted on the side as well. Withthe lid it makes a perfect storage container, candle holder, planter, or penand pencil can. Or it could be for the something special you want to keep fromthe rest of the world. Check out our other advertising collectibles atwww.ebay.com/str/agitpropshop.

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