[Advertising] 146 Tobacco Leather Premiums

[Advertising] 146 Tobacco Leather Premiums

Rectangular leather pieces measure about 2 x 2.5 inches. This vast collection of 146 leathers is generally in very good to fine condition. Some have light soiling. Several have less than clear stamps and a couple were blind embossed on dark leather but easy to read under a magnifier. Verso is blank.

In the early 20th century, tobacco firms offered a variety of 'premiums' to entice customers to purchase their products. These premiums fell into five categories: Cards, Satins, Flannels, Leathers and Buttons. Of these, leathers were the most expensive and short-lived, 1912-1914.

Within leather premiums there were known to exist these themes: Girls, Baseball Players, National Flags, Actresses, Actors, College Mascots, College Shields with Seals, Generals, Indians, State Seals, Mayoral, Territorial and Indian Nation Seals, Mottoes and Quotations, Dogs, Comic Designs, College Fraternity Seals, and Movie Personalities. A theme for everyone.

Furthermore, leathers were distributed as rectangular, pennant, or as hearts, clubs, diamonds and spades; with or without borders. Gilt, silver, brown, black and blind embossed were used. Much of this information is found at www.cigarhistory.info.

This collection of 146 items (there are about 15 duplicates) consists of 112 University Seals, 27 State Seals, 2 Military, 2 Indian Nation and 3 Miscellaneous leathers. An instant collection of a short-lived advertising gimmick. Item #1182

Price: $575.00