Mail Pouch Tobacco Thermometer Value Guide

The Mail Pouch Tobacco thermometer is a quintessential piece of Americana, produced by the Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company to complement their iconic barn-painting campaign. These enamel-on-metal signs served as functional advertisements in rural general stores, making them highly sought after by tobaccoana and petroliana collectors today.

What affects the value of Mail Pouch Tobacco Thermometer?

• Condition of the enamel: Pieces with minimal 'chipping' or 'shelving' around the mounting holes command higher prices.
• Functionality: A working glass thermometer tube significantly increases the value toward the $450 range.
• Color vibrancy: High-contrast yellow and blue pigments that have not faded from sun exposure are preferred by collectors.
• Size and format: Standard vertical formats are common, but unique dimensions or rare regional variations can impact market demand.

How to Identify Mail Pouch Tobacco Thermometer?

• Look for the signature 'Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco - Treat Yourself to the Best' slogan in bold block lettering.
• Verify the material is heavy-gauge metal with a genuine vitreous enamel (porcelain) finish rather than painted tin.
• Check for the presence of the original glass tube, which historically contained mercury for temperature measurement.
• Examine the mounting holes for authentic wear and brass grommets often found on mid-century advertising pieces.

History of Mail Pouch Tobacco Thermometer

Mail Pouch Tobacco was first produced in 1890 by the Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company in Wheeling, West Virginia. The company became famous for its advertising, especially the barns painted with the Mail Pouch logo across the rural United States. These barns served as landmarks and advertisements, often featuring the phrase 'Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco - Treat Yourself to the Best.' The thermometers were another popular form of advertising, displayed in general stores and other retail locations.