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Some Brief Notes On The Tobacco Tag, Megan E. Springate

Megan E. Springate

Tobacco tags have been found on archaeological sites throughout North America, in shapes ranging from circles to ovals, rectangular with an embossed horse, stars and hearts. Tags recovered archaeologically are usually no more than a rusty bit of iron alloy with two triangular tines. Originally, however, these tags were enameled with bright colors and product information. The use of tobacco tags began in the United States in the 1870s. An overabundance of cheap chewing tobacco caused pipe smokers to switch to "chaw." Manufacturers developed the tag as a means of branding their plugs of tobacco.