Collection Highlights
Group of Chicago Zouave Cadets
Date:
Object Number:
PR.049.FF.MIL.CHIZOU
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Tobacco tin
Object Number:
2002.1.2258
Date:
ca. 1912
Medium:
Metal
Dimensions:
7 x 5 1/4 in. diameter
Description:
"Roly Poly" tobacco tin in the shape of a rotund African American woman, with lithographed printing of a red kerchief and white with red polka dots dress on the base and on the cap a white head cloth around a smiling face smoking a pipe. On the back is an advertisment for "Mayo's Cut Plug" tobacco. The bottom reads "This 'Brownie' tin comes in different designs/ Get a Collection/ This brand of tobacco has been before the public for/ a great number of years-in quality it stands unsurpassed." See similar items 2002.1.478 and .479.
Gallery Label:
The American Tobacco Company issued a set of six "Roly Poly" tobacco tins in 1912. Named for their bulbous shape, each tin depicted a common stereotype of the era: Mammy, Singing Waiter, Satisfied Customer, Dutchman, Scotland Yard, and Storekeeper. Four different brands of tobacco were distributed in these tins: Mayo's, Dixie Queen, Red Indian, and U.S. Marine, with each tin holding approximately a pound of tobacco.
Credit Line:
Gift of Bella C. Landauer
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
