Old Honesty Non-Partisan Political Map Showing Presidential Vote of 1880 and other Election Statistics. Panorama of the History of the United States, from Revolutionary Times, Upon Which the Chief Political Events are Recorded for the Instruction and Entertainment of Chewers of Old Honesty Plug Tobacco.
Old Honesty Non-Partisan Political Map Showing Presidential Vote of 1880 and other Election Statistics. Panorama of the History of the United States, from Revolutionary Times, Upon Which the Chief Political Events are Recorded for the Instruction and Entertainment of Chewers of Old Honesty Plug Tobacco.
An advertisement for Old Honesty chewing tobacco, issued folded (see ID # 1087.02). Across the top is a political timeline of U.S. History, showing the names and political parties of the Presidents and significant legislative, policy and political developments. Below is a large map of the country, showing the number of electoral votes and the popular vote in the 1880 election for every state. Within the borders for each territory in 1880 not eligible to vote for President is a different advertisement for Old Honesty. See generally http://www.bostonraremaps.com/catalogues/BRM1796.HTM, accessed December 14, 2014.
On the verso is a breakdown of the electoral votes by state for 1876 and1880, wage and cost comparisons between the U.S. and major European countries, and the conclusion that “The cheapest and best country to live in is where you can buy Old Honesty Plug Tobacco From every retail merchant.” In the lower left corner of the map, the company says, "We are candid people and frankly say we send you our political map with the view of calling your attention to our Old Honesty Plug Tobacco. If you like the map show it to your friends and don't forget to ask your retailer for a sample of Old Honesty."
Old Honesty's ad was well-chosen for its (mostly male) market, since only men were eligible to vote in 1884.
For another example of promotional materials for 19th century tobacco companies focused on the interests of their predominantly-male clientele. See ID #2334, “Chew Woman’s Heart Tobacco - Map of a Woman’s Heart,” 1887 (reflecting male disinterest in satirical views of their own hearts!).
