Cheinco Industries

Replica Roly Poly "Dixie Queen" and "Mayo" Tobacco Tins (1970s) Three Styles

Select your desired tin using the options below: Dutchman Singing Waiter Satisfied Customer

$25.00 USD

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Low stock: 1 left

Type:: Advertising Collectible
Era:: Late 20th Century (1970–1999)
Circa:: 1970 Replica (1912 design)
Origin:: USA
Maker:: Cheinco
Material:: Tin
Dimensions:: 7" x 6"

Vintage-Style Roly Poly “Dixie-Queen” & “Mayo” Tobacco Replica Tins — 1970s

These rounded character tins—known to collectors as “Roly Polys”—are 1970s reproductions inspired by the whimsical lithographed tins originally produced by the Tin Decorating Company (Tindeco) of Baltimore in the 1910s. Although associated with tobacco, the early designs were intended for reuse as “Brownie Tins” once the tobacco was gone, a clever bit of early packaging ingenuity.

The originals were patented in 1912 by W. Tuttle of Baltimore, and each featured a cheerful, rotund character with a distinct personality. In the early 1970s, Cheinco Industries revived several of these classic designs, faithfully capturing the bright colors, expressive faces, and nostalgic advertising style. Offered here are three of the most recognizable characters from that revival: The Dutchman, The Singing Waiter, and The Satisfied Customer.

The Dutchman — $25

A jovial figure wearing an orange neck scarf and wide belt, holding a churchwarden pipe. The reverse features a colorful rendering of Mayo’s Cut Plug Tobacco. Condition: Very good.

Singing Waiter — $18

A cheerful waiter in a bright yellow vest and white bow tie, mid‑song as he proclaims, “Everybody’s smoking Dixie Queen.” The back displays a bold Dixie Queen Plug Cut Tobacco graphic. Condition: Good, with a dent on the back near the base.

Satisfied Customer — $25

A pipe‑smoking gentleman in a pinstriped vest and orange suit, complete with gold watch chain and a Dixie Queen tobacco box detail on the reverse. Condition: Very good.

All measure approximately 7” tall × 6” diameter and are empty—ideal for display or collecting.

Collector’s Note

Cheinco’s 1970s reproductions offer an accessible way to enjoy one of the most iconic forms of early American advertising. The original Tindeco “Roly Poly” tins—patented in 1912 and produced for Duke’s American Tobacco Co.—are prized for their expressive characters and inventive dual‑purpose design.

These later editions faithfully preserve the look and spirit of the originals while being sturdier and more affordable, making them appealing additions for collectors of tobacciana, advertising tins, and mid‑century nostalgia

Just a quick heads‑up: the photos reveal details far better than text alone, so they’re worth a close review.

We share as much accurate information as possible about each item—from provenance to condition—but the images often show the nuances best. If you ever need more details, we’re always happy to help.