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1887 advertising poster for "Open Hand Fine Cut Tobacco
This is a 1887 advertising poster for "Open Hand Fine Cut Tobacco" by manufacturer Robert Hamilton of Covington, Kentucky.
The black and white graphic illustration depicts a human hand overlaid with diagrams for palmistry, labeling various mounts and lines such as the "Mount of Jupiter" and "Line of Heart".
It was copyrighted in 1887 by R.J. Killick and produced by Shober & Carqueville Lithography in Chicago.
Why This Poster Matters
This piece is a fascinating window into late 19th-century marketing and design. The clever use of palmistry imagery—a popular parlour interest of the era—connected the product to notions of fate, quality, and personal choice. Tobacco advertising of this period often employed symbolic and mystical themes to appeal to consumers' aspirations and curiosities.
Vintage Advertising as Collectible Art
Original lithographed posters like this one represent a golden age of commercial illustration. The craftsmanship of Shober & Carqueville, one of Chicago's premier lithography houses, is evident in the fine detail and composition. Today, such pieces are highly sought by collectors of vintage ephemera, advertising history, and decorative arts.
Explore More Vintage Treasures
If you're drawn to the artistry and history of vintage advertising, we invite you to browse our full collection of rare and one-of-a-kind lighting fixtures and vintage décor. Each piece tells its own story of craftsmanship and design heritage.
Have a vintage find you'd like to share or discuss? Get in touch with our team—we'd love to hear about your passion for mid-century and antique design.