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Posted By: Alan Elefson

Hi-
I recently acqured the item pictured below for an offer I couldn't refuse (wicked cheap at a Flea Market). Has anyone ever seen one of these before? Any idea what the ribbons were originally used for? I researhced as many names as I could but I still cannot date the piece. I believe all of the ribbons are from Cigar Manufacturers. Here is a list of the ones I could read off the banner:
Genuine No 7 (the only one that issued cards I believe)
Americanos
7-204
The Lewis
Blackstone
Quincy
Traser's Harvard
J.& E.
Van Dam's Best
General Hooker
Northern Light
Alpha
CCA
Boston Courier
Any help in terms of what this piece is, and the approximate era (and value if known) would be greatly appreciated. The gentleman I purchased it from claimed he obtained it when cleaning out a house. He believed it was draped over the counter of a turn of the century Tobacco store. He thought the ribbons were from Cigar box or case packaging but was unsure. I apologize if this post is off topic, and if needed, please delete this. Thanks again to everyone who has helped identify issues for me in the past. Please see scans for further information.
Thanks,
Alan Elefson
aelefson@meditech.com

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Posted By: Bill Stone

Recently on Antiques Roadshow there was a lady that brought in a smoking jacket made from these items. You may want to check the archives and see if you can find that segment --as I recall they talked about Blackstone and the appaiser gave the history of these tobacco ties. Hope this lead produces some help.

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Posted By: Keith

I saw the same antiques roadshow, and I think they said the ribbons were wrapped around groups of cigars. I think, if I recall correctly, cigars were sold wrapped in bunches, rather than by the box, but I may be wrong

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Posted By: David Smith

As far as what I know, these type of ribbons were wrapped and tied around cigars in the late 1800's to the early 1900's. I used to have a couple of pillow case covers made of them and that is how I usually see them. The one on the Roadshow was different in that it was made into a smoking jacket. If it was just a pillow case cover, I doubt it would have been shown on TV. Just my opinion.

David