1912 Boston Red Sox Hat Band Tobacco Premium

Sold For:

$2,644

Year:

1912

Auction:

2011 Spring

Lot #:

1235

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Presented is is one of the most decorative tobacco premiums from the era: a 1912 Boston Red Sox World Championship silk hat band. We have seen several different teams from this rare set over the years: the Giants, A's, and Red Sox. We believe these three teams may represent the set. During the early 1900s a straw hat was the norm for any gentleman attending a ball game. Since most straw hats looked alike, it was only natural that someone would come up with a way for a fan to distinguishing himself from the crowd and, at the same time, to declare his allegiance to the home club. The answer was a silk band to be worn around the top. The ornate tricolor design features a Red Sox pennant that is flanked on either side by an identical Boston Red Sox motif displaying the date, "1912," above it, and the words "World's Champions" below. The design is embroidered (as opposed to printed). When worn on a hat, the pennant would be featured in the front, and the two Red Sox motifs would be seen on the sides. The silk band, which is 31 inches in length and 1.5 inches wide, displays a few folds and is otherwise in Excellent to Mint condition. On the reverse at the end is the text "Factory No. 7 3rd Dist. State N.Y." This is both a rare tobacco premium and a very attractive, ideal-for-display souvenir commemorating the first of Boston's four World Championships between the years 1912 and 1918. Reserve $200. Estimate $400+. SOLD FOR $2,644