DiMola Bros of Queens finds antique varnish tin in Brooklyn rubbish removal job
DiMola Bros of Queens finds antique varnish tin in Brooklyn rubbish removal job
I might not be in the “Wizard of Oz,” but you can call me the Tin Man.
I discovered this old tin can when my DiMola Bros crew and I did a huge house rubbish removal job on Pineapple Street in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn. The tin is made of either soft solder or lead, and just by looking at the edges of the tin, you can tell that it was handmade, one piece at a time. The stop-and-go points at the seam reveal detail that wouldn’t be visible had it been produced by a machine, which might have allowed for clean welds and smooth edges. But the possibility of a cleaner finish doesn’t really appeal to me, especially for a vintage item like this.
When I found the can, it was empty but was made for one pint of the varnish. The label is authentic and definitely the coolest part. In large writing, it says “Brooklyn Varnish MSG CO,” and below, “Manufacturers of Fine Varnishes.” On the front of the tin (pictured above), there is an image of an old warehouse building with horse and carriages on the street. The writing below the image indicates that the building was located on Nostrand Avenue, but after doing an Internet search for the company, I couldn’t find any images or addresses that matched that of the label.
Who would have thought a simple rubbish removal job could lead to such a cool part of Brooklyn history?
Contact Information
DiMola Brothers – Main Office
1640 Summerfield Street
Ridgewood, NY 11385
Phone – (718) 326-6969
Web site: http://dimolabros.com
Trash Treasures of New York City 
Thank you for posting your find!! In my Seneca County Grandfather’s box there is a “gold” coin 1 1/4″ in diameter.
On one side it says “K.A.U.R.I” above teeny print that states “TRADE” “MARK”
Around the rim it reads:
“YOUR MONEY BACK IF NOT PLEASED WITH”
and
“BROOKLYN VARNISH MFG. CO. BROOKLYN, N.Y.”
I’m unsure if “your money back” goes with the product or with the Company.
On the other side of the coin, there is a swastika – like the Nazi but not on an angle. The 4 interior “angles” of the swastika contain an image of a 4 leaf clover, a horseshoe, a turkey wish bone, and something I can’t identify.
Around the rim it reads: “MEMBERSHIP EMBLEM OF THE DONT WORRY CLUB” “GOOD LUCK”
Another Brooklyn connection.
JT
Holden, MA
I also have one of those coins. It was in the drawer of a piece of furniture I got out of the trash. what is the significance of the coin and would anyone wish to purchase it. I am curious to find out more about it.