Vintage Cigar Ribbon Quilts and Table Covers
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries cigars were not
sold in boxes but in bundles of twenty-five or fifty cigars. The
ribbons were usually in shades of gold and yellow, less frequently
red or white, and bore the brand name of the cigar. Industrious
and thrifty women saved these ribbons and used them in handicrafts.
Working with narrow strips of silk they fashioned hundreds of
these ribbons into useful objects. We have been extremely fortunate
to have found several interesting examples of cigar ribbon table
and pillow covers. Some are enhanced by tassels or pompoms and
are backed. Be sure to click to see the detail.
003cigarquilt14
This is one of the most exquisite cigar ribbon pillow covers
we have offered for sale. Unusual dark and light green ribbons
and lemon yellow ribbons contrast boldly against the more common
gold and orange ribbons. The fringe includes red and pink ribbons,
equally rare. The piece includes ribbons from the following manufacturers:
Ben Ali, Cuban Gentlemen, Cuban Blossoms, Optimo, Reina Victoria,
Caballeros, La Rosa de Florida, Londres, Fontella, Tom Keene,
Owl, and Little Minister. The unusual backing is a piece of linen
intended to be embroidered. It portrays a parrot, several cigars,
a pipe, matches and a saying, The saying reads "I have no
girl to make me jolly, so I'll have a smoke with my friend Polly."
It has been partially painted instead of embroidered. The piece
measures 23" square including fringe. The body is 17.5"
square. It is in fine condition with only a few wear spots and
water spots. (Stock number 003cigarquilt14) $400.00
003cigarquilt12
Framed cigar ribbon table cover illustrates a work in progress.
Interesting red ribbons stand in stark relief to the more common
ribbons in gold and yellow. Ribbons include: Harvard, Golden Wedding,
Keystone, Blackstone, Electric, A.P.F., W. S. Marcy, Flying Dude,
Upmann's Extra 5, Lancaster and many more. The framed piece measures
approximately 32" square. (Stock number 003cigarquilt12)
$200.00
003cigarquilt8
Small table cover has ribbons in shades of gold and yellow
with a few blue accents. There are visible water stains. The ribbons
are in very nice condition with no signs of deterioration. The
entire piece has been mounted on artist's board. We have not tried
to remove the piece being mindful of the fragile nature of the
pieces of silk. Measures approximately 20.5" square. (Stock
number 003cigarquilt8) $175.00
003cigarquilt7
This small table cover in shades of gold and yellow with red
and green accents has clearly seen better days. Most of the ribbons
on the lower left corner are missing as are some on the lower
right corner. Ribbons are available if a talented seamstress wishes
to restore this piece. There are numerous stains. Click to see detail Measures
approximately 27" square. Edged and backed, but the backing
is deteriorating in places. (Stock number 003cigarquilt7) $100.00
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