Historical information

State Express Ready Rubbed, produced by the Ardath Tobacco Company (est. 1895 London), was a popular Virginia tobacco, notably manufactured in Australia during the mid-20th century. The tins were typically small to mid-sized, featuring the "State Express" and "Ardath Fine Cut" branding, with "Ready Rubbed" indicating it was pre-shredded tobacco. Used widely by Australian soldiers in WWII, these compact tins are highly collectible today, appearing through the 1960s.

Physical description

A red rectangular, State Express tobacco tin with a hinged lid. The company logo and other details are printed in gold lettering on the lid as well as Ready Rubbed Virginia Tobacco Ardath Fine Cut. There is an insignia with two crossed heraldic flags and an eagle on top. This information is printed in black lettering on a gold background inside the lid.

Inscriptions & markings

On lid in gold lettering: "State Express Ready Rubbed Virginia Tobacco" Also on the lid the company logo of a pair of crossed flags and 2 floral sprigs, surmounted by a bird with outstretched wings. Above the logo are the words: "Absolutely unique" and below the logo, on a wavy black background stripe, the words: "ARDATH FINE CUT".
Inside the lid: "State Express Ready Rubbed" and "Ardath Fine Cut, with the logo in between. Underneath are printed the words: "has the name of ARDATH printed on the paper lining"