Cigar
Box Blankets and Rugs:
The practice of inserting advertising in tobacco products
and packaging began about 1870. In 1908, the
American Tobacco Company created a new and exciting
line of tobacco advertising. Often called "felts,"
they were actually made of flannel. These
were known as "cigar box blankets" to the
public. The blankets did not have finished edges.
While some were reversible with the same image on
the back side, the very first ones made, the American
Indian portrait series, were not. Later came
what were called "rugs." Rugs typically
had fringe on each end and were smaller than blankets;
some have deckle ends instead of fringe.
Altogether
interesting and truly a unique novelty, these came
to be collectible items to thousands of men, women,
and children in the early 1900s. Women often
made quilts with the blankets, and children used the
little rugs in their doll houses.
It
is interesting to note that some blankets feature
what is today known as a "swastika."
However, Native Americans used this symbol way before
that time, and it was a good luck symbol.
These
charming pieces of history memorabilia are now quite
rare.
$16 each for size 5 1/2" X 8 1/2" or larger.
$10
each for size 3 3/4" X 5 1/2" or smaller.
Shipping
is $1.00 for one.
IF YOU WISH TO ORDER MORE THAN ONE, first email
Diane to get a combined shipping quote that will save
you money: diane@nativeamericanstarquilts.net
