While adding extra closet space in my 100+ year-old home, originally a Royal Berkshire Regiment medical house in Reading in Berkshire that served through both World Wars, I uncovered a piece of history. Behind the old wooden cladding under the stairs, I discovered these items, left behind by the original carpenter just before he sealed the last slat.
I have collected several incredible pieces like this over the years, but due to financial circumstances, I am reluctantly parting with this one of a kind treasure. It holds deep sentimental value, and I truly hope it goes to a home that will appreciate its rich history.
Item: Antique Victorian Australian Tobacco Packaging Wrapper & Handbill Advert
Brand: 'Kangaroo' Mottled Flake (Stephenson & Martin)
Date/Era: Circa 1880s–1890s (Cites 1878 Weights & Measures Act)
Provenance: Discovered hidden behind a sealed architectural panel / under-stairs void during renovation work.
Description:
An exceptionally rare piece of original late-Victorian tobacciana / advertising ephemera. This lot includes:
Original Paper Tobacco Packaging Wrapper: Vivid graphic printing featuring the Kangaroo emblem, "Three Pence Per Oz", and legal text citing the Weights and Measures Act (41 & 42 Vict.). Measures approx. 140mm x 95mm.
Original Promotional Leaflet / Handbill: Printed on brown paper, encouraging buyers to "Support British Colonies, British Capital, and British Labour." Measures approx. 150mm x 100mm.
Condition:
As found condition. Shows age-related creasing, edge tears, fraying, and light staining consistent with 100+ year old paper stored in a building void. Paper remains remarkably bright with distinct lettering and colors. Please see high-resolution photos with ruler for exact measurements and condition details.
Shipping:
Will be carefully packed flat between stiff board and sent via tracked postage to ensure safe arrival.
Item 1: Advertisement Leaflet / Handbill
Text: Promotes "Australian Tobacco Imported by Stephenson & Martin... 'Kangaroo' Mottled Flake... Support British Colonies, British Capital, and British Labour."
Era: Late Victorian (circa 1880s–1890s). The emphasis on supporting the "British Empire" trade routes was a massive marketing campaign trend in late 19th-century Britain.
Item 2: Original Paper Tobacco Packet / Wrapper
Text: Features the colorful "Kangaroo" trade mark (registered 1878/1879 reference), "Three Pence Per Oz", and cites the "Weights and Measures Act Cap. 49, 41 & 42 Vict." (which was enacted in 1878).
Significance: Paper packaging from this era was meant to be torn open and thrown away immediately. Surviving paper wrappers—especially with vibrant graphic color, kangaroo branding, and imperial imperial tax/measure references—are exceptionally scarce.