Geo. S. Harris & Son FREE & EASY Label Black Minstrel Ad Cigar Box Sample 1800's

Description

George S. Harris & Son "FREE and EASY" Label Black Minstrel Ad Cigar Box Labels
Very rare example - possibly one of one.
3 1/2 x 2 1/2 Oval Shape
Front
Black Minstrel Banjo Player
"FREE AND EASY"
Verso
Geo. S. Harris & Son
Manufacturers of Cigar Box Labels and Trimmings
Fourth & Vine Sts., Philadelphia
No. 1001 .50 per 1000. 30 Cts. per 100.
George S. Harris, born 1823 in Bridgeton, New Jersey, worked in Philadelphia as a lithographic and letterpress printer, producing lithographic trade cards, can and cigar box labels, circulars, calendars and stamped envelopes between 1847 and 1891. Although trained in law, Harris pursued printing and opened his own job and fancy card printing establishment ca. 1847 at 119 North Fourth Street. By 1848 Harris already owned and operated a Ruggles' small card press, which "attracted the attention of visitors by its handiwork," and in 1854, he relocated his company to the southeast corner of Fourth and Vine Streets.