Tintastic: De-Fi Typewriter Ribbon

So here you have it folks, yet another fantastic tin from my Grandfather’s attic and my collection. Isn’t it beautiful?! Check out the classic color combo of navy ink on silver and the totally art deco typography. When was the last time you saw a font like this used for any sort of tag, or body copy in mass-produced packaging, or advertising today? It’s so decorative, you almost get lost in it! What’s even more impressive, is that the tin looks like it's in perpetual motion, thanks to the navy strikes that run diagonal across its surface…”Nude Descending a Staircase” anyone?

In the most general of statements, this tin borrows aesthetics from Cubism, Futurism, Classicism and first and foremost, consumerism; note the Trojan dude on the back of the tin promoting “Utility Cannot for Long Ignore Beauty.” How awesome is that? I cannot help but take this slogan to heart. Out of context, it pretty much sums up my thoughts on what constitutes good design. In my opinion, good design must be functional and although, functional design does not need to be beautiful, good design that is both functional and beautiful certainly cannot be ignored…just as I suppose, De-Fi typewriter ribbon could not be ignored…and I say "could," since I'm not sure it's still manufactured.

Another characteristic that I particularly love about this tin are the two stamped elements; “Noiseless” in the top right corner and “Black Record 26” on the bottom. They add texture and imperfection to the perfectly crisp flexo-printed graphics. They also exemplify the dual printing methods that were used at the time this tin was manufactured and that sadly enough, are not practiced much, if at all, today. Besides, “Black Record 26” would make a great name for a record label…don’t you think? Anyway, stay tuned for more Tintastic posts and loveliness to come soon. Until then, happy Friday folks, hope you have a wonderful weekend!