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Messmer Tee

 

Merchant’s Storage Canister Tin

 

Size:  26.3 x 18 x 21.5 cm. 

 

Tin dates from c 1900, Germany, and was made for export purposes.

 

 

 

 

The phrase “Via Suez Canal” became an

argument for a better quality tea.  Tea had been

transported by caravans from China through Russia

to Europe (“caravan tea”). The alternative route was by tea

clipper ships around South Africa to Europe. The opening of the

Suez Canal greatly facilitated the transport—the route was much shorter, and the tea was exposed to possibly unfavorable conditions— e.g. unintentional contact with salt water—for a shorter time period.

 

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