Melrose’s Tea & Coffee Grocer’s String Tin Counter Top Edinburgh

An original Melrose’s Tea and Coffee grocer’s string tin, produced by Melrose’s Ltd., Tea and Coffee Merchants of Edinburgh. This tin was designed to sit on a grocer’s counter and hold parcel string for wrapping purchases, with the string feeding through the metal guide attached to the hinged lid.

The tin features classic red and cream lithographed advertising panels, with Melrose’s Pure Coffee on one side and Melrose’s Tea on the other. The hinged lid incorporates the original metal dispensing guide, allowing string to be drawn smoothly while the tin remained positioned on the shop counter.

These string tins were a practical and highly visible part of traditional grocers’ counters, combining functional storage with strong brand advertising. The graphics remain clear and decorative, and the tin displays beautifully with authentic age-related wear and patina. Melrose’s was a respected Edinburgh tea and coffee merchant, and original counter-top string tins from regional Scottish brands are increasingly sought after by collectors, interior stylists, and film prop buyers.

A genuine and characterful piece of British retail history, ideal for display, kitchenalia collections, or period shop interiors.