Salome Ideal Cigarettes

I say, we've stuffed ourselves on pudgy pie sandwiches, and washed it all down with a nice Borghini wine, (HERE! HERE!) Now, retiring to the study to fill our glasses with something a bit stronger, we are intrigued to find unusual, antique tobacco products await! NOTE: As stated many times on this blog over the years, I do not drink, nor do I smoke. But! I do collect beautiful examples of 1920's, deco era packaging, so allow this antique box of Salome Ideal Cigarettes to become our stimulating, after din-din conversation starter. Manufactured by Rosedor Cigarette Co. Inc. and copyrighted in 1915 and 1924 in New York, Salome is the "delightfully different, original perfumed cigarette. Unrivaled for mildness..." and etc etc, (you can read the rest below.) Let's instead talk about the gorgeous, gold embossed red box, and stunningly sensuous Salome herself striking a rather perfectly pretty pose. Why, she's enough to make one truly lose their head! But hold on to that head, old man, because after you have opened the box, you'll see that Salome returns once more for multiple encore performances. After all, she is screen printed on each and every gold-tipped cigarette nestled within. If that's not enough, NY's seventh and ninth governor, DeWitt Clinton (1769 - 1828) makes a very special guest appearance as a 10 cent revenue stamp on the underside of the box. Not to be confused with a postage stamp, IR stamps, which exist in a variety of color and denominational series, were used to show that tobacco taxes had indeed been paid, annnnd my apologies for allowing this conversation to suddenly take a rather boring turn. Light 'em up, gentlemen-- the Dance of the Seven Veils is about to begin!

Decanter Lady Head Vase (of the Moon)

We've been gorging ourselves silly on pudgy pie sandwiches since our previous post, and now it's time to wash it all down with a Borghini red wine guzzled directly from a 1960's Sicas Sesto Fior, art deco-esque, decanter lady head vase. According to the internet, Sicas, aka Societa Italiana Ceramica Artistica Sestese (located in Sesto Fiorentino, Italy) began operations in 1945 directly after WW2, and continued into the 1970's producing their rather unique variety of Italian art wine pottery pieces. These days, the decanters tend to turn up missing the cork, the labels, and of course the wine. But my girl here seems complete, the only thing not true would be her earrings which were originally just simple, small gold hoops. But ain't she sweet? The sinister signs of ceramic crazing just adds further character to her fabulously feline, almost alien face. Near pristine condition, she looks stunning starring back at me from my desk. For reasons known only to me, when I look at her I feel the urge to watch Cat-Women of the Moon (1953.)

Pudgy Pie Sandwich Maker

After a steady stream of juicy Jersey Mike's subs vs. exotic Tiger 88 grilled pork banh mi's for the last few years, I think it's time to break free of this current tempt-taste rut by adding a third style sandwich option to my languishing luncheon list. And not only will this require me to turn up the heat and do-it-myself, but I will also be traveling back in time to the mid 1940's with the help of a flying saucer shaped De Luxe Model Toas-Tite Pudgy Pie Sandwich Maker! That's right, what a mouthful! It's also a plump, round, toasted pie-like sammy (these days they call 'em Hot Pockets) that you cook up over a stove top or any open flame within the silver sleek, handy dandy Toas-Tite press. This seals the toast edges and locks in the flavorful ingredients while also making it drip-proof! You can also get campfire creative with pot pies, egg surprises, hot dogs with a future (!!!) and fruit filled hand pie desserts too. I soooo like the idea of a Pop Tart pillow! Hey, howz'about glamourin' up those lingerin' left-overs with the ever easy pudgy pie treatment too! Okay, just how freakin' fun is this original PPSM, anyway? Is it as wingdingin' as the insanely cute art on the box lid and instruction manual? I believe so. And the wildest thing I uncovered while researching this online is that you can actually buy reproduction versions of the PPSM, --and in 3 different styles too! CLICK HERE for more info, and start gettin' pudgy, NOW! 

Advertising Book Matches (PART TWO)

And now for the exciting second half of Advertising Book Matches --see PART ONE HERE if ya missed it! These striking (literally) 1950's, or possibly early 1960's salesman sample catalog page highlights switch gears from the pretty pin-up options of our previous post and now blast-off into the rad realms of some o'my other favorite subject matter: Retro space gags! Hillbilly humor! And sexy vintage salon sirens! Please specify A-OK if you enjoy this type of post, because I can certainly deliver more hot 'n hilarious matchbook action in the months to come!

Advertising Book Matches (PART ONE)

Welcome to Part One of heavenly, ring bindered highlights from this super rare, midcentury Advertising Book Matches salesman catalog and price list. It's kind of fun to think about the many miles upon miles this thing was lugged around, as well as the number of hands that flipped through it, eyeing the vast array of designs, fonts, colors, and partial nudie cutie choices to be made here. There is a lot to go through, so I went in and photographed mostly what I considered to be the "best of" selections, with Part Two focusing on additionally cool illustrative touches and comedic elements, as well as a variety of subjects such as hair salons, hillbillies, and even spacemen! But as always, the gentlemanly thing to do is ladies first, so let's roll out this Part One barrel o'babes and let their curvy attributes sell your service stations, taverns, markets, bowling alleys, inns, etc. Your future customers... ummm, who are smokers (or pyromaniacs) will forever thank you! Part Two is coming up shortly, --so keep yer pants folded nicely, already!