c. 1918 Fatima Turkish Cigarettes "Army and Navy" Vintage Advertisement
During the early 20th century, particularly around the World War I era, tobacco consumption underwent a significant cultural shift. Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co., the parent company of the Fatima brand, recognized this demographic shift and expertly tailored their advertising to resonate with the armed forces. This advertisement explicitly highlights a "noticeable preference for Fatimas in the Army and Navy among officers and men alike," reflecting this strategic wartime positioning. The artwork features a distinguished naval officer seated in what appears to be a ship's cabin, complete with a porthole framing the open ocean. This painted portrait, commissioned specifically for the company as noted by the text "PAINTED FOR LIGGETT & MYERS TOBACCO CO.", elevates the product from a mere commod
Category: Tobacco
Year: 1918
Rarity Class: B
Paper & Print Condition
The periodical paper exhibits a mild, even toning typical of early 20th-century newsprint. The central painted illustration retains rich, deep colors, particularly in the navy blues and the warm flesh tones of the officer. Minor edge wear is present, but the typographic elements and the detailed illustration of the Fatima cigarette pack remain sharp and legible.
Provenance & Rarity
Sourced from an original WWI-era American publication. Advertisements featuring specific military branches from this period are highly collected by military and tobacciana enthusiasts. While Liggett & Myers ads were widely circulated, surviving examples with intact, vibrant color reproductions of the original commissioned paintings are notably uncommon.
Rarity & Condition Summary
A well-preserved Class B artifact. It represents a prime example of early targeted demographic marketing. The structural integrity and vivid preservation of the artwork make it a valuable piece for studying military-focused advertising and historical consumer habits.
