Cigarette Advertising Appraisal

Nebo Cigarettes Silk Advertising Flag - 'Cuba' Design

This item is a vintage silk tobacco insert, specifically a 'silk' or textile premium from Nebo Cigarettes, featuring an allegorical figure representing Cuba. The piece is crafted from a finely woven silk or silk-like fabric, presenting a soft, slightly lustrous surface. The primary image depicts a graceful woman, her hair styled in a period updo, adorned with what appears to be a small red headpiece. She is dressed in a vibrant outfit, featuring a red corset or bodice, a flowing white skirt with blue vertical stripes, and black ankle boots. Her attire is evocative of late 19th to early 20th-century fashion. She holds a Cuban flag aloft in her right hand, its red, white, and blue colors prominently displayed, with the lone star visible. In her left hand, she holds a long, golden, braided cord, possibly with tassels at the end. The overall color palette is bright and well-preserved, showcasing reds, blues, creams, blacks, and hints of gold. Text at the top edge reads "NEBO CIGARETTES," indicating its origin as a tobacco collectible. In the lower right corner, the word "CUBA" is hand-written or stamped in a stylized black font. The edges of the fabric show some fraying, particularly noticeable at the top and bottom, which is typical for textiles of this age that were likely removed from original packaging. There are no major tears or stains visible, suggesting good preservation for its age. The print quality is high, with clear lines and vibrant colors, indicating good craftsmanship for a promotional item of its era. This type of collectible was a popular premium included in cigarette packs during the late 1800s and early 1900s.