Hi everyone,

I have just found this site and find it very interesting. What I am looking for and hopefully will be able to find is a biscuit tin made by Mcvities called Gypsy Creams and which features a picture/pictures of a gypsy woman possibly holding a posy of flowers.

It would probably date from the late 1880's to the early 1900's. This tin has sentimental value as the lady in question is said to be a great aunt. We have been told that this tin was in production, but unfortunately no-one seems to be in possession of one.

I would be eternally grateful for any help that would enable me to find this tin.

With many thanks

Rosie

Hi there,

Thanks for replying, but unfortunately there is not a photograph of the tin to show. This is the problem that we have. There is a tin on this site, number 12195 and the description is old tin Huntley & Palmer Gypsy Pictorial, which others have said is the tin in question others dispute this. I have just written a message to the owner, so I hope they get back to me and give more details.

Thanks again

Rosie

 Here is the tin in question. Huntley & Palmers Gypsy. Issued 1893 & again in 1894 ( this info is from the archives in the V&A. Likely the closet to the truth that will ever be known at this point)

To my knowledge there are only a couple of other Victorian tins with gypsies on, most are small images & only decorate one panel. None are called gypsy. This doesn't mean another tin doesn't exist.

I will say, Huntley & Palmers were very protective of the design of their tins, using patents & copyrights to protect themselves. Not to mention, most of their tins were produced by close family in the firm of Huntley Bourne & Stevens. Hope this helps. 

Hi,thanks for your reply, I don't know if you looked at the other site, but it is just that someone is insisting that they are not the same tins. I believe they are, but the other one has not been as well preserved. It obviously belongs to another collector and they have named it Gypsy for identification.

Would you be so kind as to have a look and let me know what you think, I don't want to reply to the other person until I am sure, not that I have any doubt. It is on www.wickedlady.com.

Much appreciated

Rosie

It's the same tin. Gypsy 1893. The collector on the website seems to have named it Gypsy as well, also dating it the same year. Not sure what the discrepancy is? cheers

Helo again,

Thanks for getting back to me, yes I know that they are both the same tin, but some people see what they want to see. Thanks for all your help, much appreciated.

Rosie