Vintage Metal Lunch Box Articles

Resources
Courtesy of Love Saves the Day, New York City.

Care and Display
Never clean lunch boxes using household cleansers, as harsh chemicals can dissolve ink. To clean boxes, gently wipe with a damp cloth. Be sure to dry the piece completely. Mint-condition boxes should be displayed out of reach of prying fingers. Collectors who buy boxes regardless of condition can have more freedom in their display techniques. Always keep boxes out of direct sunlight, as continued exposure for even a few minutes a day will cause their bright colors -- and value -- to fade away.

Lunch Box Trivia
Some popular lunch box themes have spawned reproductions -- including Howdy Doody, the Lone Ranger, and Lost in Space. "Most reproductions are made with a lighter-weight tin that is left unpainted on the inside, have flimsy handles, and are marked with the new manufacturer's name," says Larry Aikins, author of two price guides on lunch boxes.