Lot # 3164: 1912 S110 "Generals" Tobacco Premium Pillowcase

The S110 pillowcases, issued in 1912, are universally recognized as among the premier tobacco-related display pieces of the era. The offered example is one of twelve different pillowcases offered at the time and features full-color illustrations of George Washington, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Colonel W. F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and Napoleon Bonaparte. These colorful display pieces could be obtained only by mail in exchange for coupons packaged with Helmar and Turkey Red Tobacco. The S110 set was part of the very same promotion that brought us the classic T3 Turkey Red cabinet-card set, the S81 Large Silk premiums, and the famous L1 leathers tobacco premium issue. The pillowcase was the ultimate prize of the promotion, requiring the most coupons in exchange (100 coupons were needed to get a pillowcase). Each pillowcase (22.5 x 22.5 inches) has a theme and features images taken from a silk issue of the era. Collectors are very familiar with the baseball S110s (there are two variations). These sell in the thousands of dollars in nice shape, due to the popularity of baseball. Yet are no rarer than the other S110s featuring different subjects, including Indians, Beach Girls, and Flag Girls (all offered in this auction as well). The pillowcase displays three horizontal folds (from once having been stored folded). The notation "A.D. 1915" is written in black marker along the base, but otherwise in apparent Excellent condition. Matted and framed to total dimensions of 28 x 30 inches. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.