I was poking around a thrift store the other day when I spotted a lovely little cake cover in a box. It was the pretty copper and white enameled one you see here.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed to see that there was no bottom. But I took out my trusty phone and looked at what the bottom should look like — if it was attached. I saw a picture of a square piece of hobnailed glass with feet. So I started poking around the store some more. Maybe it got separated, right?! My hopes were up and it couldn’t hurt. And there, lo and behold, on a lower shelf the bottom was just hanging around topless! AND it was in perfect condition! Score one for me! I was excited in case you can’t tell.
It’s such a pretty piece of history that was made by the same company that made my breadbox (which will never be for sale because it’s my favorite kitchen piece). I love the aqua blue of this bread box and it has shelves. It’s a little beat up but I love it.
The cake keeper and my breadbox are both by Lincoln BeautyWare. Maybe some of you have heard of it. There is not a ton of information out there, mainly because BeautyWare is actually a brand of the Lincoln Metal Products, Corporation which I had to trace through trademark information.
From what I was able to research, Lincoln Metal Products, Corporation came into being sometime in the late 1940s. There is very little information about the company itself other than it was located in New York, NY. They made kitchen and home products.
You could have canisters, breadboxes, trashcans all in matching shades and designs. Everything the modern housewife in the 1950s and 60s could ask for to make her kitchen look put together. I say this with no sarcasm.
I have been a stay-at-home mom as well as a working single mother and I have respect for both. No matter which direction you think about this, women do 70% of all housework and you want your house to reflect the work you put into it. That was the angle that Lincoln Metal Products, Corp. was banking on. And I really do love my breadbox which has a cutting board on the door.
There were a few brands that Lincoln sold under; BeautyCan (a step-on trash can), BeautyWare, BeautyBox and Paperola (a holder for tinfoil, wax paper and paper towels). There were a couple of other brands that were registered under the Lincoln Metal Products, Corporation such as Fold-A-Matic and Hide-A-Matic but I couldn’t find any evidence that these brands were ever produced.
Lincoln churned out many items over the years. Their advertisements aimed at the housewife of the day promoted their cleanliness and clean lines. For their step-on pedal canister their slogan was “BeautyCan sells on sight” (Lincoln Metal Products), Brooklyn, N. Y. (cladriteradio.com). I know I love many of their items.
They seemed to have petered out around the late 1970s for unknown reasons. I cannot seem to find a date as to when they closed. Their registered trademarks seem to have not been renewed since that time.
This is all the information I could gather on Lincoln Metal Products, Corp. For such an iconic brand, they disappeared quietly, at least as far as I could tell. But I know that their products are out there just waiting to be loved by a new generation! Have a great week! And remember, I love to hear from everyone so leave me a note if you have a chance.
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Vintage Eve's 
Loved your article! My mom had the Lincoln BeautyWare Canister set. Brings back such great memories.
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I love when a post I’ve written brings back awesome memories. It’s what I love about all my vintage stuff.
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I have a passion for Harlequin kitchenware, and have a great collection of Nally canisters. Yours are lovely and I hadn’t heard of this brand before. It can certainly become an obsession, can’t it! I’d love you to come and share this post at my Five Star Frou-Frou linkup at A Tray of Bliss. We love vintage and this is so special. Love, Mimi xxx
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Thank you, Mimi! I’d love to share on your linkup!
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Hi Rheta! I always learn something new when I stop in for a visit. The shapes and colors of the Beauty Wares are just wonderful. Makes me want to do my house in MCM so I can buy all of the great accessories that were available. Thanks so much for linking up with Vintage Charm 🙂
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Thanks, Diana! I love your link party 🙂
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Thanks for coming on over to Five Star Frou-Frou to share! Mimi xxx
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Many hanks for your research – This weekend I stumbled across a Modern Canister set similar to the one pictured but with the small wooden handles. In near perfect condition and in Australia! I had never seen storage like this before and will be up on my kitchen wall soon – thank you for the history. There is not much around. Tracey.
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Thanks for reading and sharing, Tracey! Even though I can’t see it, it sounds pretty 🙂
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On Match Game 1978 it was one of their sponsors. You answer my question of who they were.
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Thank you so much for posting this! My grandmother had a set of the canisters on her kitchen counter. I remember commenting on them several years ago and she said “I’ve had these since I started keeping house”. She passed away earlier this week and I inherited them. I’ve got them proudly displayed on my kitchen counter. They are the all chrome set from the 50’s. I’m glad you were able to find out information on this company.
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I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother. I hope those canisters bring back good memories of spending time with her.
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I have the chrome coffee and tea, have no idea where I got them… I have had them for 20 yrs or better. I decided to see if I could find out anything about them , and boom! there you were. thanks a million.
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You’re welcome! Glad you found what you were looking for 🙂
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I am so thrilled to read all the information about Lincoln Metal Works and all the comments. I have the 4 canister set in the large box that you show in the picture made by Lincoln Beatyware Don’t know where I got it or when. It’s been in a box in the garage for at least 15 years. And may have come from my parents house originally. Can you recommend how to clean it.
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Honestly, I’d be really careful about using anything abrasive and I’ve even had bad luck with hot hot water on the copper looking colors that come off when washing. I would try soap and water or maybe a magic eraser if they are super greasy. But try in an inconspicuous spot first.
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Thank you so much for answering. I can see where there is some minor damage from prior cleanings. I haven’t done anything since I unpacked it. I’m so glad I have waited to hear your suggestions of what to do and what not to do. It’s so great I just love it.
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In the early 70’s I remember my moms canister set in the kitchen. She probably got them as a wedding gift in the 50s. She passed away in 2017 and when we cleaned out the house all I wanted were those silly canisters. I’m wondering what the original cost to the silver flour, sugar, coffee, tea canisters were just for curiosity. Do you know? Thanks
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Hi Rick. I’m sorry I don’t know the original price. The best way to research that is to search for old advertisements for the brand. I found something similar that listed a 9 piece canister set that included a salt and pepper and a cake taker which was listed at $16.95.
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