Vintage Benson & Hedges 'Super Virginia Cigarette' Tin

This item is a vintage rectangular cigarette tin, likely made of tinplate or steel, indicating its use for Benson & Hedges 'Super Virginia Cigarette'. The tin features a hinged lid, which is currently open, revealing the interior. The overall color scheme appears to be red and silver, with the exterior of the tin being red (though not fully visible in the image), and the interior of the lid a light silver or off-white color. The inside of the lid displays text in red lettering: 'When only the best will do' encircled by a decorative red border, followed by 'MADE BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE SUCCESSORS TO BENSON and HEDGES LTD SUPER VIRGINIA CIGARETTE'. This text provides clear manufacturing details and branding. The interior base of the tin shows significant signs of wear and age, with numerous dark brown to black specks, possibly remnants of tobacco, dirt, or corrosion/patina build-up, and some general scratching and discoloration of the metal. There is also a small metal tab or retainer visible on the interior bottom, likely used to hold cigarettes in place. The edges of the tin also exhibit some wear and minor dents, consistent with a used item from an earlier period. The construction appears to be machine-pressed metal, indicative of mass production. Based on the branding and style, it likely dates from the mid-20th century, possibly 1950s-1970s. The overall condition suggests a well-used item, retaining its functionality as a container but showing considerable aesthetic depreciation due to internal staining and surface wear.