Vintage Cotton Applicator Tin Sentinel Sterilized Cotton Applicators Medical Tin

Vintage Sentinel Sterilized Cotton Applicators tin from Cleveland, Ohio, with original inner packet still inside. Great medical and drugstore display piece.

Details

∙ Vintage metal tin for Sentinel Sterilized Cotton Applicators
∙ Brand shown: Sentinel
∙ Distributed by: Forest City Products Inc., Cleveland, Ohio
∙ Type: medical / first aid storage tin with original inner packet still present
∙ Size: about 4 x 2 x .25 inches
∙ Material: printed tin with paper-wrapped inner packet
∙ Colors: cream, red, black, and muted gray
∙ Design: front shows rows of cotton applicators with bold red Sentinel label and “20” count mark
∙ Interior: plain cream-colored tin with the original paper-wrapped applicator packet inside

Suggested uses: medical collectible display, drugstore ephemera collection, first aid decor, or small storage for tiny keepsakes

This product is featured in the History You Can Hold: How Small Objects Make Books Feel More Alive. 

Condition Grade: Good

Positives
∙ Front graphics are still bold and easy to read
∙ Tin opens and closes
∙ Original inner packet is still present, which adds display interest
∙ Overall shape remains solid and presentable
∙ Cleveland, Ohio distribution line is still readable on both tin and inner packet

Issues / Wear
∙ Noticeable age wear, scuffs, and scratches across the exterior
∙ Lid has dark marks, discoloration, and general surface grime from storage and use
∙ Front has scratches, rub wear, and edge wear, especially around corners
∙ Interior shows age spotting, discoloration, and residue
∙ Inner packet is toned and worn, with creasing and handling wear
∙ One end of the packet is torn open, and contents are visible
∙ Not mint; best as an honest vintage medical collectible rather than a pristine example

Collector’s Notes

This is a nice little piece of everyday medical history, with the kind of compact pharmacy packaging that displays well in a first aid or drugstore collection. The surviving inner packet gives it more character than an empty tin and helps it feel like a real working object from its time.

A small but memorable vintage tin with strong shelf appeal for medical and advertising collectors.

Please review all photos closely—they’re part of the description and show the exact item you’ll receive

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