Name/Title
M.J.B. Coffee tin, c. 1890sEntry/Object ID
2023.18.1Description
Acc. No. 23.18.1
Subject Category: Businesses of Alameda; Homes of Alameda; Citizens of Alameda
Date or Period: c. 1890s
Object: Coffee tin
Description: silver-colored tubular tin container with lid, with printed-on label with white and negative lettering on a black background, with negative printed (silver-colored) border, stating on one side: 'M.J.B./Coffee/M.J. BRANDENSTEIN & CO./SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.' and on the other side: 'VACUUM PACKED/M.J.B. Coffee/WHY/?'
Size: ?
History of Object: Coffee Tin from M.J. Brandenstein & Co. The tin is related to the Siegfried family of 2044 Alameda Avenue. Patriarch John Siegfried was a tea merchant, importing tea, coffeee, rice and spices, and was in partnership with Max James Brandenstein under the name of Siegfried & Brandenstein in 1880. An Eastlake cottage built in 1884 at 2036 Alameda Avenue was also owned by John Siegfried while he worked at Siegfried & Brandenstein. Brandenstein bought out his partner in 1894, and formed M.J. Brandenstein & Co. with his brothers Mannie, Charlie, and Eddie. Business included importing tea, coffee, rice, and spices. Son Edwin Siegfried was known for his pastel landscapes.
Acquired from: Joanne Dowell
Donation Date: 4/20/2023
Accession Date: 9/26/2023
