Packaging condoms in tins was very much an American innovation. Each tin normally contained ‘a quarter dozen’ condoms made from India rubber, liquid latex or chemicals. You can forget the chemical prophylactics. They were designed for use as protection after the event and involved screaming pain and a rash. India rubber and liquid latex are similar to the condoms we use today.
Before metal containers, condoms were packaged in paper. Since the 1950s, they have mostly been packaged in metal foil. These foil packets have been renowned for causing the famous ‘wallet ring’, a cause of much male embarrassment over the years.
The first metal containers used in the US were made from aluminum. They appeared between World War 1 and the 1930s. The containers were usually circular and embossed, with no printing. Following this, many brands developed and began using colourful square and rectangular steel tins. Today these containers are collectors’ items. Tins were discontinued in the late 1950s and remained in the realm of niche collectors until Legends revived the tradition in 1999.
