** Tins of Taste Museum ** within NationalBreadMuseum.org
GERMANY - Haeberlein-Metzger Lebkuchen Company
The earliest Lebkuchen sold in tins, that I'm aware of, began in the 1890s, and then these two separate (at that time) Lebkuchen companies followed suit. I've been told that each company sold Lebkuchen in a tin(s) under each individual name prior to their merger in 1920. I'm hoping that some day there might be a historian - antique professional - or someone motivated by this Tins of Taste project, who lives in Germany, can read German, and would love to research with whatever resources are available, in order to learn of more accurate tin history regarding the Lebkuchen companies, who would share that information with me for the world :).
Donna Kozak, Founder
https://www.haeberlein-metzger.de/
From the above link, on the Home Page, under Categories on the left side, click on Chests (Truhen) or Jewelry Boxes (tins; i.e. Schmuckdosen) to see their yearly & Christmas Holiday tins (usually available by October). This company sells ONLY to the trade (wholesale to retail businesses for resale). Online, a few of their tins are sold via www.lambertz-shop.de , but the problem is that not all of their tins are available at that website! Some years in the past there had been also been a few H-M tins sold via Matthias Stielfield's https://www.lebkuchengeschenke.de/ , but none available in 2024-25, so we'll see about 2026.
If anyone ever does put in an order directly from an online supplier in Germany, make SURE you add up the "gross" weight of all (& figure 2-3K for the larger shipping box of all) so you don't go over by a few grams & are charged the next increment! (2023: 10K = E79.99, but 20K = E149.99 - - a E70 difference!!!)
2019 - Nürnberger Truhe (Nüremberg Chest) ~ (See the enclosed companion 6-stuck tin in the Year 2019 display.)
A TIMELINE OF THE HAEBERLEIN-METZGER LEBKUCHEN COMPANY
Their home page (https://www.haeberlein-metzger.de/) ~ ~ ~ a link to "About Us" (https://www.haeberlein-metzger.de/ueber-uns) gives the full story of the following. Here's the short of the time line:
Heinrich Haeberlein company ~ ~ ~
1810 ~ Johann Caspar Schores owns a gingerbread
bakery."
1840s ~ Johann's son, Martin, begins making chocolates.
1846 ~ Johann's son-in-law, Heinrich Haeberlein takes over; redesigns the company
1876 ~ moves into a new factory building & now uses machines
1886 ~ There's a fire, factory destroyed, builds a 3-story this time.
FG Metzger Gingerbread Shop ~ ~ ~
1598 Hans Baum started making gingerbread
in the suburb of Wöhrd.
At some point in the next 100+ years, gingerbread maker, Friedrich Gotthelf
Metzger from Dinkelsbühl took over.
1816 Metzger married the widow of
the gingerbread maker Michael Bühler in Nuremberg. This laid the foundation for
Metzger's company.
At some point in time the factory was relocated to Rathausgasse (see photo below, left),
& his son Johann Georg Karl took over. (Note: This had to still be in the 1800s.) He transitioned it to industrial
production (i.e. made by machines).
On June 5, 1920, 2 companies, H. Haeberlein & F. G. Metzger merged to form Haeberlein-Metzger AG.
In 1976, Theo Schöller acquired Haeberlein-Metzger as part of the "biscuit" division of Schöller-Eis Lebensmittel KG.
In 1999, The Lambertz Group took over Schöller, & continued to run Haeberlein-Metzger as an independent brand. (Note: A great decision!)
In 2008, I got the postcard on the left (E6,50), & the tin on the right (E6,00), on eBay.de. Prices included postage inside Germany because a friend was living there for awhile. It was a blessing to have family & friends there, which I need again :) . . . If someone in Germany would volunteer to receive my eBay pkgs. & ship to me once every year - I'd pay the postage - email me, Donna, at breadmuseum@aol.com.
Every Lebkuchen company has its own recipe/s for its Lebkuchen products. The kinds & % of nuts are a factor, as are the kinds & amounts of dried fruits (if any), plus the spices, honey, & other ingredients to create the varieties.
And as far as tins go throughout the past years, there are times when the company will put out a tin with just the F. G. Metzger name on it (e.g. tins in the shape of a "book" in the photo), but I don't know if any of the tins of recent years have only had the Haeberlein name. That name always seems to be in combination with Metzger.
Today the H-M brand is only sold to the trade. Lambertz, the parent company/owner of H-M, has a retail line to sell & ship to individuals, & includes "some" of the H-M tins, but not all! That makes it difficult because the H-M tins & chests are then only sold in Germany as far as I know, possibly in shops, plus they would also be at the H-M booths at the Christkindlmarkts throughout the country. Therefore, many aren't available in the U.S. unless through an importer, or a family/friend who lives there (as in the military) & would send to you.
ARCHIVE of . . .
The City of Nurnberg
Haeberlein . . . Metzger
then
Haeberlein-Metzger
tins (dose) and
chests (truhen)
The Lebkuchen Baker
Regarding the following . . . round, square, hexagonal (6 sides), octagonal (8 sides), or other tins classified as a 4-, 5-, 6-, or an 8-stuck tin (dose) means there are that many Lebkuchen cookies inside. In English, the German "stuck" rhymes with American English "spook." The most common is the round, 6-stuck tin. (This is not a complete inventory of all the H-M tins in the core collection, which is around 100. As time is available, more will continually be added.)
Tins are photographed first with the cover which determines shape and some of the size. Then, beginning with the seam on the left, and turning the tin clockwise, the sections or panels are shown. But it's not always possible to display in that order, depending on various computer grids.
Let's begin with the spectacular tin of crowning glory (or not?!?) in German history, followed by the 1st section of tins & chests which will be displayed by the descending year date.
In a yearly group, it's usually the smaller to larger size.
Following the tins of known years, it will be all those of unknown years, displayed in groups according to a general shape or style, if possible.
2021 & 2022 Christmas seasons --- one of the loveliest - EUR (€) 15,42 in Germany (so about $18 + $12 S&H new & filled); called Imperial Box in 2021 & Kaiser Can in 2022. A double paper label is on the bottom. (TTM #3823 & #3952)
2023: Winter City; 4" x 4.5" x 4"H; (TTM#4019)
2023: Candle Tin; a 4-stuck tin; (TTM#4018)
2023: KAISER; 5.75" x 4.75"H; tan w~3-D filigree; 5 panel pics (TTM##4017)
2023: the 6-stuck companion tin in the Christkindlesmarkt chest below; (TTM#4013)
2023: Christkindlesmarkt; 10.25" x 15" x 5"; (TTM#4012) - Includes the above 6-stuck tin.
2023: Nurnberg Treasure Chest; 7.25" x 9.25" x 4"H; (TTM#4016)
2023: Nuremberger Chest; (TTM#4014) - Includes the 6-stuck Nurnberg Can of 2022.
2023: Lebkuchen-Präsent ~ Gingerbread Gift; the smaller 4-stuck; Steel Grey; 2.25" x 3.25" x 3"H;
Nurnberg Nostalgic ~ the large 6.5" x 9" x 10.75"; (TTM#4021) - Both the small & large sizes have been made through the years with different colors & designs.
2022 - Historical Nurnberg (dose); 4.5" x 5"; €11,68, about $14 + $10 S&H; paper label on bottom; (TTM#3944)
2022 - This mini rectangular tin (dose) has been made for many decades, in various colors & designs, & often sold for multiple years, and is often included in a tall, large, rectangular tin.
2022 - The Book Box with the F. G. Metzger name, but the H-M logo. (brown this year)
2022 - The F. G. Metzger dose (i.e. tin) (€19,45 so about $23 + $16 S&H)
2022 - The Merchant Train, a long, thin tin; €11,68, about $13,50 + $10 S&H; (TTM3942)
2022 - The Nurnberg Treasure Box; 7.5" x 9.5" x 4"H; €20,50, about $24 + $16 S&H; (TTM#3948)
2022 - Silver Chest; 7.25" x 11" x 5"; €36.00, about $42 + $28 S&H; (TTM#33947)
2022 - Christmas Magic Chest; 8" x 8" x 4"; €23,50, about $27.00 + $18 S&H; (TTM#3946)
2022 - Nurnberg Chest; 9.25" x12.25" x5.5"; €42, about $49 + $31 S&H; (TTM#3949) ~ Included the N. Can (up a ways)
2019: Special 6-stuck tin for the Nürnberger Truhe (chest) (photo is near the beginning of this page). The H-M catalog did not have it as a separate item, so I'm guessing it was only available inside the larger chest.
2019: I have this tin catalogued as 2019, although it's not in the H-M catalog. It's called Historic Nurnberg, but it's one of the busiest & most colorful of all 6-stuck Lebkuchen tins! I wanted to make sure you have a chance to see all the amazing detail, for such a small piece of art work. (TTM#3734)
2019: Kaufmannszug-Dose (Merchant Train Tin) ~ "Nuremberger wares travel throughout the land."
2019: Blue Book
2019: Süßer Laden (Cute Shop)
2019: The design of 2 identical tins except for the size: the large, Nostalgie-Dose & mini , Mini
Elisen-Dose. Purchased separately, new & filled. Large: 6.5" x 9.75" x 10.5"; E38,95 about $45; (TTM#3636) ~ 10 Pkgs., a variety.
Mini: 2.5" x 3.5" x 3.5"H; €3,85 about $4.50; (TTM#3637)
2019: Nurnberger Treasure Box (Nürnberger Schatzkästchen)
2019: Silver Chest (Silbertruhe)
2019: Christkindlesmarkt-Truhe ~ I have this identified as 2019, although it's not in that year's catalog, so am not positive. The same design was sold in 2022 with an orange background.
1999 if I'm reading the 05-00 label correctly. One of the most beautifully illustrated Lebkuchen tins!
NOTE: This is the same design (different color format) as the 1st Wooden Chest w/a paper surface -- see near the bottom of this page.
1991: This is within the 3 x 3.5" size; (TTM#3553) ~ Bought it new & filled 35 years ago, already! Time flies :).
1989: Music box
1987:
1987 (or just maybe 1986 - someday I'll find the records, somewhere, to know absolutely for sure)! This is the "In the beginning . . ." story regarding my connection with the German Lebkuchen tins :).
We were living in England by a military base (1982-88). I had been introduced to the German Lebkuchen tins by visiting a friend's house who had come from a base in Germany. She had these amazing tins displayed in her house, and she was going back that Christmas season to buy more, & I asked her to buy one for me. She came back with the most gorgeous orange/rust-colored one. I was elated!
Then one mid-November I went to Germany with friends in order to get Lebkuchen tins at a military commissary. That was the only source I knew of. By word-of-mouth, 10-12 ladies knew what I was going to do & each asked if I'd get one tin as a souvenir for them, & of course I said, "Sure." It was that year that this house was sold - for $10-12, & I got a dozen to take back for all the requests :), & everyone just loved it!
Through the years, I've found out that the H-M company made a house like this way-back-when, but in different colors (brown, green, & orange) & some of the design work (a cat vs. children). It also had the chimney and bell.
1986:
1983:
After 1980 because of the required ingredient, content, etc., an imprint of required info is on the bottom of the tin.
After 1980 ~ Historic Nurnberg; 6-stuck; €6,95 eBay.de, $7.99 in 2020 -- The bottom has a double-paper, info label.
After 1980 ~ This is named the Historic Round Tin, & was after 1980 because of the required government label on the bottom. What's so very different about this tin is the 3-D raised design on the cover & the (sort of gritty) surface around the tin.
After 1980 ~ Old Franconian Market Tin (Altfränkische Markt-Dose) ~ (TTM#4319)
After 1980: The "mini" tins, 2.5" x 3.5" x 3.75"H; from ebay.de about 2020. (TTM# 4357-4363)
ABOVE: 1 - Metzger; 2 - H. Haeberlein (without Metzger) . . . . . . . . . BELOW: 1 - Metzger; 3 - Haeberlein-Metzger
After 1980, with the printed ingredient info on the bottom. (This was a repeat design from a very old tin, below.)
After 1980 ~ the tallest of the H-M tins: 6.5" x 8.5" x 10.75"; (TTM#4353 -used)
Round Tins --- Dates Unknown
Year Unknown, but this tin seems so "modern!" The design is so very different than most of the other tins as this has a smooth surface, different style of cover, and the fully neutral-colored background, plus it's an inch taller than the general 4-5". Along the bottom there in the "Reg. Penna. Dept. Agr. HN" info., but that's been required since 1933, so that's no help :). Anyway, the colors and calligraphy styles make it a beautiful tin.
Years Unknown: a mini size about 3"rd. x 2.75"H
Years Unknown: Therefore, 1980 or before . . . 5- or 6-stuck tins (dose); about 4"-4.5" round x 5" tall.
Below: Don't know if this would have been before or after WWII. Seam in cover. Info is pressed into the bottom.
Below: Don't know if this would have been before or after WWII. Seam in cover. Info is pressed into the bottom.
Below: One of the oldest in TTM after the 2 companies merged in 1920 ~ ~ maybe 1920s--1930s? Empty bottom.
Below: The oldest in TTM at this time. A Heinrich Haeberlein tin of the period between the 1890s & 1920.
Tins of a various # of sides ~ 6, 8, etc.
The dates are unknown to me at this time
Rectangular Shapes ~ Dates Unknown
These have been made from 3 1/4" to 10 3/4" tall . . . mini to what might be considered "chest" size with a hinged cover.
This is one of the older & smallest sizes.
One of the older "small rectangle" category before 1980, especially with the pressed tin info; 3.5"x4.75"x 3.25" tall.
Just to note that this was after 1920 when the two companies merged, even though it seems so-o-o old to some!
An old one with pressed tin info on the bottom like above. Was this before the next one with an empty bottom?
Below: This basic tin design (with a different cover-rim design & background color) was repeated at some time in the 1980s.
Lithographed Tin Chests ~ Dates Unknown
A lithographed tin chest
A lithographed tin chest of old.
One Day in a Flohmarkt!
Found this ~ one day in 1989-1991 ~ a hang-on-the-wall cabinet with a knob-handle closure.
One of the most unusual lithographed tin pieces in the entire German Lebkuchen tin treasury!
Someday I'll find the date & what I "gifted" to the vendor, & I'll let you know :).
Wooden Chests ~ Dates Unknown
Papered Surfaces
Papered Surface ~ In an advertising brochure in the 1950s, this is one of 3 wooden chests H-M was selling. It was called the Wooden Chest (different names for the other 2). It contained 8 packages of Lebkuchen and sold for DM 35 - about 4 DM (Deutsch Mark) to $1.00 USD in the 1950s - about $8.05-75 new & filled.
Stenciled Cover