Vintage 1 kg Droste Cocoa Tin – Featuring the Nurse and the Droste Effect

Vintage 1 kg Droste Cocoa Tin – Featuring the Nurse and the Droste Effect

• Manufacturer: Droste's Cocoa & Chocolate Factories N.V.
• Production Date: 1950 – 1970

Product Description:
This tall, square cocoa tin from Droste's Cocoa & Chocolate Factories N.V., produced between 1950 and 1970, is both a functional and decorative container with historical and collectible value. With a net content of 1 kilogram, the tin was originally intended for household use, but today it is especially cherished by collectors of vintage packaging.

Features and Specifications:
The tin is made of metal and features a long piano hinge on the lid. Its sturdy construction was designed for reuse, which was a practical feature at the time. The tin is in good condition, showing wear consistent with its age and material.

Dimensions are 19.7 cm in height, 11 cm in length, and 11 cm in width.

Visual Design:
The most distinctive feature of this cocoa tin is the illustration of a nurse, visible on two sides against a red background. She wears a traditional black-and-white uniform and holds a tray with a cup of cocoa and the same tin depicted on the illustration itself – a visual representation of the so-called Droste effect. This optical phenomenon, where an image recursively appears within itself in a smaller form, has since become closely associated with Droste’s brand identity.

The other sides of the tin display various official and decorative elements: the royal coat of arms with the designation ‘Royal Supplier,’ medal insignias, and mentions of international awards from cities such as Hamburg, Brussels, and Antwerp.

Historical Context:
Droste was founded in 1890 in Haarlem by Gerardus Johannes Droste and grew into an international brand. The nurse illustration was designed by Jan (Johannes) Misset and was inspired by a painting by the Swiss artist Jean Etienne Liotard. The image was intended to emphasize the beneficial effects of cocoa. Due to legal restrictions, this illustration was not used in the United States.

After several acquisitions, Droste became part of the German Hosta Group in 1997. Since 1986, production has taken place in Vaassen, where Droste remains active in the international chocolate market.

Practical Use and Collectible Value:
Originally designed as a functional container for cocoa powder, this tin offers more than just aesthetic appeal today. It is a tangible piece of Dutch industrial history and a recognizable example of 20th-century branding and graphic design. Thanks to its durable construction, the tin is still suitable for storage or decorative purposes.

With its iconic design, rich historical background, and distinctive style, this Droste tin represents a remarkable example of functional heritage with lasting appeal.

© Copyright Retro & Design. All rights reserved. Text and images may not be reproduced without permission