Just got these beautiful tins and would love some advice

Hi everyone I was wondering if these are classed antique? Either way I love them but wondered how to work out when they were made?
They need a good clean which I plan on doing tomorrow, are there any products I’m best using? I really don’t want to damage them.
Thank you for your help

 

Mineral Oil will clean and retard further rust.
Wipe off any excess oil

Are these English tins?
Do you all use zip codes like the US?
Here -zip codes started in 1963.

 

Yup, just a gentle wipe. The address format or any phone number will be a huge clue, get a close up of those.

@clutteredcloset49 - we've had postcodes since the late 19th C, but they got expanded over the years. Phone numbers are really useful for dating.

 

Get the Hacks ones listed. Now's the time!

 

I think the hacks tin is from 1950’s but that’s just what I’ve been able to find online. It has NOT CHARGED indented on the bottom.
I got four of the Fox’s tins and noticed one is slightly different with an indent on the bottom showing 10p (I’ve added photo). They are all from the factory in York. Could it just be fluke one having the 10p indent but all from the same year?

 

I have had some luck removing rust from tins by soaking in vinegar. I tried it on a very rusty coffee can that i did not care too much if it was ruined. It looked a lot better and it did not effected the paint. If you are going to try it ,try it on one you like least. I soaked for a day or two.

 

I'm not sure soaking in vinegar would be the best option.
Wait for others to answer before you try this.

 

Arg, no. It'll take what remains of the print off.

 

So far I gave them a wash with just warm water and a little soap to get all the dirt off which already has improved the tins. I’ve seen online to use bicarbonate soda. Could that damage the paint?

 

Yup. Don't do it.

 

Good start.
Now use the mineral oil on a soft cloth to rub them down. Let it sit for a little while. Wipe off any excess oil. It will take more dirt off and seal the metal from further rust. It is not sticky and it doesn't turn rancid like vegetable oils.

Try it first on the one in the worst condition. See if you like it.

 

Perfect thank you I’ll get some next time I’m out and give it a go