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College Silks

Shop our collection of College Silks

Available in a custom framing package (example shown in each description), with fabric or silk mats available, and UV-protective glass. From $165.

Tobacco silks featuring colleges are a unique and collectible subset of vintage tobacco advertising memorabilia. These delicate, silk-like fabric pieces were often included as premiums in cigarette packages during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each silk typically bears the emblem, crest, or mascot of a specific college or university, making them popular among both tobacco enthusiasts and college memorabilia collectors.

These exquisite silks showcase the vibrant colors and intricate designs associated with the institutions they represent. Crafted with care, they often feature the official colors, emblems, and sometimes even iconic landmarks of the respective colleges. These silks were highly sought after, as they allowed consumers to proudly display their allegiance to their alma mater or favorite collegiate team.

Collecting these tobacco silks has become a beloved hobby for enthusiasts of both vintage advertising and college sports. They offer a tangible link to a bygone era, providing a glimpse into the cultural and advertising practices of the past. Each silk tells a story of a specific college’s heritage and traditions, making them cherished artifacts for both collectors and fans of collegiate history.

Today, these tobacco silks are valued not only for their historical significance but also for their aesthetic appeal. Their intricate details and vivid colors make them a visually stunning addition to any collection. Whether displayed in a frame, carefully stored in an archival sleeve, or incorporated into crafts and projects, tobacco silks featuring colleges remain enduring symbols of a rich and colorful era in both American advertising and collegiate history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I bring in for framing?

Just about anything you like! While most of our projects involve photos, posters, works of art on paper or canvas, and other ‘traditional’ pieces, we love to frame 3-D objects such as sports jerseys, military medals, decorative plates, rugs, and other keepsakes. We also enjoy working on pieces involving multiple items such as mementos from your travels or a special event. If it is important and interesting to you, we can find a way to frame and properly preserve it for display.

What information do I need to tell you about my project?

If you are bringing the item physically into the store, then we have everything we need! We can present you with as many design options as you like. We are happy to suggest our ideas of how we think your item would look its very best, or perhaps you already know exactly what you are looking for. Either way, we will be very happy to work with you.

If you are just looking for a rough quote, feel free to call or email us with your questions. If you would like to do this, we will need to know the size of the item as a starting point. Once we know the size, and what it is (a poster, a photo, a t-shirt, a collection of coins, etc, etc.), then we can walk you through some options and give you some design suggestions.

How much will this cost?

This can vary greatly depending on a number of things. Size is one of the big factors. The materials involved can also affect the price substantially. We have a large variety of frames, from simple black to solid hardwoods, from basic designs to elaborate carvings, from rustic barnwood to colorful lacquers. We carry thousands of different mats for your artwork – many varieties of colors, as well as fabrics, silks and suedes. We also carry several options for glass and acrylic. Mounting down large or bulky items will involve more labor. Elaborate mat designs will also involve more time. We are more than happy to offer you some price guidance over the phone or via email, but we find it always better to bring in your piece and we can show you suggestions in person with an exact quote.

What can you do besides ‘standard’ framing?

We like to think outside of the box to create interesting displays over and above the standard type of frame job. Have 50 baseball cards to display? We can do that, and have the entire display meet preservation standards to protect those cards. Have some memorabilia from a special trip? We can create an interesting shadow box to present them. Would you like some writing on the mat as well? No problem. Perhaps a brass nameplate or title? We can even cut letters and words into the mat itself for some fun displays. Just ask, and we will get as creative as you like!