Vintage “Napoleon Cigar – 10¢” Metal Advertising Sign, ca. 1910–1930

Original early 20th-century metal tobacco advertising sign featuring a striking portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte alongside bold red lettering reading:

“NAPOLEON CIGAR – 10¢”

This long, horizontal sign was likely produced for display in tobacco shops, bars, or general stores during the early American advertising era.

The sign features a vivid yellow background with strong red and black typography — a color combination typical of early 1900s American cigar advertising. Napoleon is depicted on the right side in classic military profile, reinforcing the brand identity.

The bold “10¢” price marking reflects early 20th-century American retail pricing, helping to date the piece to the interwar period (circa 1910–1930).

The sign is lithographically printed on tinplate and includes original punched hanging holes on both ends

Origin

Likely United States
Produced for retail tobacco and cigar display.

Materials & Technique

• Lithographed tinplate (printed metal)

• Pressed edge construction

• Unenameled back with natural oxidation

• Original punched mounting holes

Condition

Good to fair, age-appropriate condition.

Positive aspects:
Colors remain bright and vibrant (yellow and red well preserved)
No major structural deformation visible
Original mounting holes intact

About House of History

At House of History, we are passionate about discovering and curating vintage and unique items for history lovers like you. We believe that a tangible piece of history brings the past to life—and that is where our passion lies. Our dedication to this pursuit is reflected in our annual visits to numerous markets, vintage shops, and auctions, both nationally and internationally, in search of that one special piece. Whether you are looking to expand your collection or add an extra touch of character to your interior, we strive to find the perfect item for you.

Our selection is based on careful curation, love, and craftsmanship. Do you have a specific question? Let us know—we are happy to help. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, comments, or concerns. We are always here for you.

Pricing and Shipping

At House of History, our prices always include shipping costs. We recommend keeping this in mind when comparing prices. In addition, all orders are shipped with track & trace for your peace of mind. Orders are dispatched within 1–2 business days. We use only reputable shipping companies and provide tracking for all shipments. Items valued over €200.00 are always shipped insured. Our products are professionally and carefully packed, and we have extensive experience with international shipping.

Notes

House of History specializes in vintage items, which means our products may show signs of use. We recommend carefully reviewing the accompanying photos and videos before making a purchase. If you have questions about a product or would like additional photos, videos, or descriptions, please do not hesitate to contact us—we are always happy to assist.

At House of History, we prefer to preserve the original condition of our products. Some customers prefer a polished or restored appearance, while others appreciate a time-worn look (patina). For this reason, most of our items are offered unpolished and unrestored.