{"product_id":"imperial-german-constantin-kaiserpreis-cigarette-advertising-tin","title":"Imperial German Constantin \"Kaiserpreis\" Cigarette Advertising Tin","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn outstanding original Imperial German advertising cigarette tin produced by Constantin A.G. of Hannover, measuring approximately 5 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 1.25 inches high. This beautifully lithographed tin is finished in cream with striking black and red Imperial German national colors and features one of the more desirable patriotic advertising designs of the pre-First World War and First World War era. The hinged lid opens smoothly to reveal the original manufacturer's advertising printed on the interior, while the exterior retains crisp artwork and lettering that make this an exceptional display piece for collectors of Imperial German tobacco advertising.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lid is dominated by a bold Iron Cross positioned within the Imperial black, white, and red tricolor. At the center is an attractive full-color illustration of a Kaiserliche Marine sailor standing aboard a warship while smoking a cigarette. Behind him rise the fighting masts and funnels of an Imperial German battleship, an image intended to evoke Germany's growing naval power under Kaiser Wilhelm II. Below the artwork appears the product name:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Constantin Kaiserpreis\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etranslated as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Constantin Imperial Prize.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe patriotic imagery reflects Germany's naval expansion during the years preceding the First World War, when naval officers and sailors became celebrated national figures. The combination of the Iron Cross, Imperial colors, and naval subject matter appealed directly to patriotic consumers and positioned the brand alongside Germany's military prestige and industrial achievements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpening the lid reveals the original manufacturer's trademark and advertising:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Cigaretten-Fabrik\u003cbr\u003eConstantin A.G.\u003cbr\u003eHannover\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etranslated as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Cigarette Factory\u003cbr\u003eConstantin Joint Stock Company\u003cbr\u003eHanover.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbove appears the company's registered trademark featuring a seated classical female figure before a city skyline, while beneath are listed the company's tobacco warehouses:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tabakspeichereien:\u003cbr\u003eXanthi\u003cbr\u003eCavalla\u003cbr\u003eSmyrna\u003cbr\u003eSaloniki\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese locations—today known as Xanthi, Kavala, İzmir, and Thessaloniki—were among the most important tobacco-producing and export centers of the Ottoman Empire and the Balkans. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, German cigarette manufacturers imported enormous quantities of prized Oriental tobacco from these regions. Constantin proudly advertised these sources as a mark of quality, emphasizing that its cigarettes were manufactured from premium imported leaf rather than ordinary domestic tobaccos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front interior edge is additionally printed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Constantin-Cigaretten\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efurther reinforcing the company's branding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConstantin A.G. was one of Germany's notable cigarette manufacturers during the Imperial period, producing attractively packaged tobacco products that competed with other major firms throughout the German Empire. Decorative tins such as this served a dual purpose: protecting cigarettes from moisture while functioning as long-lasting advertisements intended to remain in households long after the original contents had been consumed. Their patriotic artwork, military themes, and high-quality lithography have made surviving examples increasingly desirable among collectors of Imperial German militaria, tobacco advertising, and early commercial art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Iron Cross featured on the lid had become Germany's most recognizable military emblem following its revival during the Franco-Prussian War and later during the First World War. Its use in commercial advertising reflected widespread patriotic sentiment throughout the Empire, while the depiction of the Imperial Navy coincided with Kaiser Wilhelm II's ambitious naval expansion program that transformed Germany into one of the world's foremost maritime powers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tin remains in very good original condition with no evidence of restoration. The lid retains vibrant color and sharp lithographic detail, particularly within the central naval portrait and the bold Iron Cross. The hinge remains secure and fully functional. The interior printing is exceptionally well preserved and remains crisp and easily legible. The interior base exhibits honest oxidation and age toning from use, while the exterior shows scattered light scratches, edge wear, and minor handling marks consistent with age. Small areas of finish loss along the rim and corners are present but do not detract from the overall display quality. The underside remains plain with expected age-related wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent example of Imperial German patriotic advertising that successfully combines military symbolism, naval history, and early twentieth-century commercial design. Its attractive artwork, complete interior advertising, and association with Germany's Imperial Navy make it an especially desirable piece for collectors of German militaria, tobacciana, and advertising tins.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50326525575407,"sku":"18-123","price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/9169\/5855\/files\/18-123_3.jpg?v=1785958612","url":"https:\/\/derrittmeister.com\/products\/imperial-german-constantin-kaiserpreis-cigarette-advertising-tin","provider":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}