Circa 1889 G12 Allen & Ginter "Naval Flags" Tobacco Card Advertising Banner

Outstanding full-color advertising poster (14.25 x 30.5 inches) for the N17 "Naval Flags" set issued by Allen & Ginter in circa 1889. Produced by "Geo. S. Harris & Sons Phila., New York & Chicago" as noted in print along the base. The banner, which advertises for Richmond Straight Cut No. 1 and Virginia Brights Cigarettes, pictures all fifty cards offered in the set plus two cards from the N9 series (Great Britain Union Jack an United Stats Jack). Catalogued G12 in the original American Card Catalog, this extremely rare tobacco banner is one of the ACC's most highly valued items. In the 1930s Jefferson Burdick assigned it a value of $20 at a time when the most valuable of all cards, the T206 Honus Wagner, was valued at a very impressive $50. These banners were produced by tobacco companies for display in tobacco stores to promote their particular brands and card issues. They are perhaps the most finely produced of all advertising displays relating to card collecting and are considered by many to be the greatest prizes of all nineteenth-century tobacco-card collecting. The offered banner, which is complete with both its top and bottom metal runners, displays edge chipping on the right border, numerous creases, and a large tear (eight inches) on the lower-right quadrant (repaired with clear tape on the reverse). A second small tear is visible on the upper-right edge (repaired with clear tape on back), as well as a small hole at the top. While technically in Fair condition, the colors remain vibrant, and it presents at a higher level than its technically accurate grade would suggest. This is a stunning display piece and one that would be a welcome addition to any advanced, advertising, nonsport, or tobacco collection. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Reserve $500.

Spring 2022 - Item detail

Circa 1889 G12 Allen & Ginter "Naval Flags" Tobacco Card Advertising Banner