Redskin Brand Chewing Tobacco Brass and Copper Cuspidor (Spittoon)

This is a vintage bulbous-shaped spittoon, also known as a cuspidor, approximately 7 to 9 inches in height. It features a bi-metal construction with a wide, flared brass funnel top and a rounded copper body. The central feature is a prominent embossed relief medallion on the front, depicting a Native American chief in a full feathered headdress. The text above the emblem reads 'REDSKIN BRAND' in an arched capital font, with 'CHEWING TOBACCO' and 'CUT PLUG' positioned below. The piece shows significant signs of age and use, characterized by a heavy mottled patina across both metal surfaces, scattered dark oxidation spots, and superficial surface scratches. There are minor indentations visible on the lower copper reservoir, consistent with period usage in high-traffic environments like saloons or general stores. Such items were typically produced in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, though this specific piece may be a mid-century reproduction intended for the Americana collector market. The brazing lines at the seams indicate a traditional assembly process, and while no specific maker's mark is visible in the image, the casting of the logo suggests industrial manufacturing common for promotional tobacciana items.

Based on my visual examination of this Redskin Brand Chewing Tobacco cuspidor, I have identified several key indicators regarding its age and market position. While the piece exhibits a bi-metal construction of brass and copper with brazed seams, the specific relief of the medallion and the font style are characteristic of mid-20th-century reproductions (circa 1950s–1970s) rather than late 19th-century originals. Original period spittoons were functional tools; this example appears to have been produced primarily as a decorative 'Americana' novelty for the barware or collector market. The condition shows significant surface oxidation and a mottled patina. While these can mimic age, the shallow depth of the 'dents' and the uniform wear on the 'REDSKIN BRAND' lettering suggest artificial distressing or light decorative use rather than a century of floor-level abuse in a saloon. Genuine late-1800s tobacciana promotional items typically command high premiums, but the high volume of these mid-century reproductions keeps the current market value modest. Market demand for such items is currently stable among casual collectors of vintage tobacciana, though values are limited by the lack of a verified manufacturer's mark. Factors negatively impacting value include the lack of 'Redskin Brand' historical documentation as a primary manufacturer of hardware, suggesting this was always a gift-shop or promotional item. Limitation: From images alone, I cannot verify the gauge of the metal or the chemical composition of the patina. A physical inspection is required to check for 'Made in India' or 'Made in Taiwan' stamps often found on the underside of these reproductions, and to verify if the patina is authentic oxidation or a chemical wash. Absolute authentication would require provenance documentation or metallurgical testing of the brazing solder.