Circa 1909 Honus Wagner Freeman Cigar Label

Sold For:

$2,160

Year:

1909

Auction:

2021 Spring

Lot #:

337

Category:

Prewar Baseball - T Tobacco Cards

Exceedingly rare oval Honus Wagner cigar label featuring a portrait image of Wagner set against a colorful game-in-progress scene. This is one of only a few known Honus Wagner cigar labels, which were produced in either an oval or square format. What makes these labels so extraordinary, aside from their rarity, is their association with Wagner's legendary T206 tobacco card and the debate regarding Wagner's sponsorship/use of tobacco products. Over the years the legend of Honus Wagner and his relationship with tobacco has taken on a life of its own. Did he oppose tobacco? Is that why his T206 card is so rare? And if so, why is he shown in his coaching days with a plug of tobacco in his mouth on his 1948-1949 Leaf baseball card? Few items have poured more fuel on the fire than the few surviving circa 1909 cigar labels and cigar bands from "Hans Wagner Cigars." As most collectors will instantly recognize, the image of Wagner on this label is the same as that used on his T206 tobacco card. In addition to his image, the label includes a beautiful game-in-progress scene in the background, with "Hans Wagner" printed in large, red letters along the top border. Because we have yet to see any of these labels on a period cigar box, it is our belief that these labels were never actually used in the marketing of cigars. All known examples appear to be proofs saved as samples in the printer's files. The fact that they were produced at all, and obviously at great expense utilizing highest-quality stone litho production processes of the day, may actually lend all the more credibility to the legend that Wagner did not wish to be associated with the marketing of tobacco products (at least in the 1910 era). In any event, the offered example is not just a fascinating piece of the puzzle of the Honus Wagner legend, but also one of the most desirable and striking of all Honus Wagner tobacco related items. The label (4.25 x 3.25 inches) displays a light stain on the blank reverse and is otherwise in Excellent to Mint condition. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).