A McKENNA'S PICTOU TWIST CHEWING TOBACCO Can

There were many mines in Nova Scotia, Canada operating in the 19th and 20th centuries and Chewing Tobacco was widely used by underground miners, loggers and mill workers. In the Coal Mines, no smoking was allowed due to the presence of explosive gases so chewing was a substitute for cigarettes and pipes. In the wide outdoors and underground , there was no problem in spitting the tobacco juice but while indoors, the chewer had a problem in juice disposal. The solution was to have Brass Spittoons located in strategic areas in homes, banks, barber shops, etc.. When chewing became a thing of the past, the polished brass spittoons ended up as planters.
To keep the chew moist and impart special flavor, the tobacco leaves were mixed with molasses, licorice and other ingredients that were kept a family secret. The leaves were rolled and twisted in the form of a rope about 5" long, therefore the name "Twist". The chewing tobacco was packed in cans that were about the size of fine-cut tobacco used for hand-rolled cigarettes. The chewing Tobacco had a wide distribution and Pictou Twist cans may be seen on display at the Hudson's Bay Fort in Edmonton, Alberta. Chewing Tobacco is almost a thing of the past, at one time, Canadians chewed 2.8 million pounds of tobacco in one year.
This 6 1/2" tall can had a key on the lid (like sardine cans) to open it up and is in fantastic condition.