Historical information

The British Australasian Tobacco Co. was based in Melbourne and Sydney. The parent company was founded in England, circa 1902. This item "HAVELOCK" is one of many ready rubbed tobacco tins produced by the British Australasian Tobacco Company.The ready rubbed tobacco held within the tin was mainly used by those smokers who rolled their own cigarettes. These smokers would have mainly used their palm and formed a cup then placing their choice of the amount of tobacco to be rolled. This would then be placed on the fine cigarette paper and rolled and sealed (using saliva in the mouth) into the required shape. There were mechanical "roll your own" gadgets on the market but most rural users, especially males used their palms. (Ref Victorian Collections)

Significance

Roll your own cigarettes were popularly used in rural areas, especially when "tailor made" cigarettes were more expensive.
Tobacco consumption in Australia is decreasing and fewer smokers are "rolling their own" cigarettes.

Physical description

A dark green rectangular shaped metal Havelock tobacco tin with a weave pattern. It is made from tin plated thin rolled steel. The lid is attached by two hinges.

Inscriptions & markings

Lid - top left in gold coloured letters "HAVELOCK".
bottom -"READY RUBBED TOBACCO"
"2oz NET WEIGHT WHEN PACKED".
Rim - "THE BRITISH AUSTRALASIAN TOBACCO CO. PTY. LTD."
Inside lid -black print on gold background - "Every tin of genuine HAVELOCK Ready Rubbed Tobacco has the mane Havelock printed on the paper lining, and also on the band or wrapping sealing the tin.
On the hinge side of the lid is "HAVELOCK READY RUBBED"