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Up for sale is a fantastic starter lot of five (5) authentic, 100% original 1910 celluloid comic cartoon pinback buttons. These historic 7/8-inch pins were originally distributed as free advertisement premiums inside packages of Tokio and Hassan cigarettes by the American Tobacco Company.
Every single pin in this lot features a visible, cataloged artist signature or monogram on the front artwork! This is a wonderful instant collection for fans of early American newspaper comics, vintage tobacco advertisements, or antique pinbacks.
**Lot Breakdown & Artist Identification:**
* **2 x CMM Monogram Pins:** Features the iconic stacked early 20th-century monogram. (1 pin features the original paper back; 1 pin is hollow/open back).
* **2 x TEP (T.E. Powers) Pins:** Signed by the legendary Hearst newspaper political cartoonist Thomas Edward Powers. Features his trademark whimsical stick figures. Includes the famous "I WISH YOU MANY JOYS" design. (Both feature original paper backs).
* **1 x Rube Goldberg "Forty Love!!" Pin:** Signed by the historic master of comic illustration, Rube Goldberg. This is a highly sought-after sports/tennis satirical theme. (Features original paper back).
**Condition Notes:**
* **Fronts:** Excellent vintage condition for being 115+ years old! Celluloid is bright and clear with wonderful color. Minor age-appropriate wear as pictured.
* **Backs:** Four (4) out of the five pins feature their original, highly fragile factory paper advertisement inserts cleanly intact, explicitly showing the "Tokio Cigarette" branding. One CMM pin is hollow/open back.
Please see the high-resolution photos for exact condition details. The items pictured are the exact pins you will receive. They will ship securely packaged in protective collector flips.
Ships quickly with tracking. Please see my other sales for more of these pins. Thanks for looking and good luck offerding!
