I love the image of this tin advertising sign from the Cotterill, Fenner, and Company Tobacco Company in Dayton, OH, circa 1900. The image incorporates the Revolutionary war continental army solider in Trenton, N.J. when they were being led by George Washington. The Continental cut plug tobacco was used in pipes, cigars and cigarettes, and was the main seller of the Cotterill, Fenner Tobacco Co. The battle of Trenton was one of the bigger revolutionary skirmished during the American Revolution, so including this battle into the sign should be no surprise to any historians.
The Cotterill, Fenner, & Co. was founded by Arnold Fenner in 1867 when the former Civil War soldier founded the company with his wife’s family as his partner. Their premier brand of tobacco was called North Star. The firm did also have a Cotterill and Marshall as owners along with Mr. Fenner. The company was still in business in the 1890’s on Second Street in Dayton, OH. It is unknown to me when they actually stopped as a viable business.