This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/12/2019
A subsidiary of the American Tobacco Company, Polar Bear tobacco became so well known within its hometown of Middletown, Ohio that train conductors often called out "Polar Bear" instead of Middletown when pulling into the station. One of the more prolific turn of the century tobacco suppliers, Polar Bear advertising signs were displayed in just about every smoke shop, but few have survived in such pristine condition as the remarkable 18" x 29" piece offered here. The metal back has marks to show that it certainly did its job over a century ago, while the red, white and blue colored porcelain front shows nothing more than light wear and tear with a layer of accumulated dust and grime that has seen an industrial revolution, two world wars, a successful launch to the moon and the rise of the computer age. At almost nine pounds, it's an incredible symbol of old-world craftsmanship and beautifully symbolizes an important part of the baseball card industry's legendary T206 series.