Police are hoping antique tobacco tins seized during a raid in Coventry will help them solve a burglary.
The two distinctive collector’s items – one featuring a youthful Queen Elizabeth II – were among items recovered by officers who swooped on a house in Chester Street, Lower Coundon, last month.
They are believed to have been stolen during a burglary in the area but so far officers have been unable to trace the owner.
PC James Rees, said: “They are both very recognisable pieces – the kind of things you would expect to turn up on Antiques Roadshow.
“It is likely they belonged to an older member of the public and have been passed down through their family. We strongly believe they were stolen during a burglary – or possibly a personal theft – and we would ask anyone who recognises the tins to contact us.”
Both tins measure about four inches by two inches. The regal version also features the Union and Royal Standard flags, plus the words: “Long May She Reign”, and contained numerous old stamps, mainly from Brazil.
The other container – an old Benson and Hedges cigarette tin – contained a small paper pouch and sewing pins.
Anyone with information should call PC Rees on 0345 113 5000, extension 7934 6962 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
I'm guessing they belonged to a woman too because as a general rule men don't collect sewing pins?
Also I doubt the Queen would be too pleased at the tine being described as 'antique' since that implies it's more than 100 years old!
