Beginning in about 1870, it was common for tobacco companies to insert “silks” or “flannels” into their products and packaging. They proved to be interesting and became collectible items to thousands of men, women, and children. A great deal of their charm came from the fact that they were free. Many women collected these and sewed them together to create beautiful quilts. Nowadays these items are not as well known, nor collected; but they were popular in their time.
This “cigar flannel” is from the Eveline Ruhberg collection.
Things People Collect