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Showing posts from July 4, 2012

B.T. Babbitt Premium Prints/Panel Pictures

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Could you please appraise this item for me? What you have is a late 1800's print given out as a premium by B.T. Babbitt Co. Babbitt is given credit as pioneering the idea of giving out premiums in exchange for redeeming "labels' from his products. In this instance, 25 "Trademarks" from his "Best Soap" wrappers or 10 "Trademarks" from his soap powder packages and a 2 cent stamp would get you one of over 200 different prints he offered. The approximately 14" x 28" panel pictures had a thin tin band at the top for hanging. It is estimated that millions of these premiums were redeemed. How many survived? I would estimate that this particular one could bring $100 at auction, depending on condition. The back is faded and it is the advertising that sort of makes the item interesting.