NATIONAL CIGARETTE 1896 LETTER INTRODUCES HIGH ADMIRAL'S YELLOW KID BUTTON "GREATEST FAD OF ALL".
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Winning Bid:
$2,855.61
(Includes 18% Buyer's Premium)
Bidding Ended:
Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:00:00 PM)
Item Description
Here is an amazing artifact related to R. F. Outcault's character the Yellow Kid and the 1896 introduction of his button series given away with High Admiral cigarettes. Envelope is 3.75 x 6" with bit torn off right end. Postmarked New York Nov. 14 6:30 PM and arriving in Indianapolis 24.5 hours later with postmark Nov. 15 7 PM. Letter, about 8 x 11" has three folds as mailed and small piece off left margin. Dated "Nov. 14th, 1896" with bit faded signature of someone in the "Salesmen's Department". Letter's first sentence states "We enclose you sample of button we are now prepared to furnish with High Admiral 10s". The referenced button is 1.25" #74 in the first series of 94 buttons. Cello has near full vertical hairline crack but barely seen and a small gray mark by left shoulder. Probably by design this sample button is one that shows the Kid smoking a cigarette with nightshirt text "Dis High Admiral Cigarette Is De Real Ting". Button has full gloss and NM silver luster on tin covered reverse. Fine displaying NM. Letter text highlights say: "We have made arrangements with Mr. R. F. Outcault, the originator of the Yellow Kid.../each button bears his signature.../We own the copyright.../ We think you will agree with us when we say this will be the greatest fad of all." The buttons did indeed prove to be immensely popular and inspired the first generation of pin-back button collectors. Letter is VF. Only example known to us.
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