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ITEM DESCRIPTION

Product:  "Alma" Turkish Cigarette Packet (EMPTY)
Authority: Official Imperial Japanese Government Tobacco Monopoly (專賣局 - Senbaikyoku)
Era: Late Meiji to Early Taisho Era (Circa 1905–1912, Japan)
Format: Mouthpiece Cigarettes (口紙巻煙草 - Kuchi-kamimaki)
Quantity: Originally held 10 luxury cigarettes

The overall condition of this item is exceptional for its age and can be clearly seen in the photographs which form part of the item description. It features a premium hull-and-slide construction measuring 45 mm (W) x 75 mm (H) x 20 mm (D).

THE "ALMA" BRAND & IMPERIAL STATE MONOPOLY CONTRACT

Following the Tobacco Monopoly Law of 1904 in Japan, the state-run monopoly bureau tightly regulated the domestic market. To cater to high society connoisseurs demanding world-class aromatic blends, the Imperial Japanese Government custom-commissioned premium overseas production runs using the finest sun-cured Turkish leaf. The lower front face proudly prints this official state-contract pedigree: "MANUFACTURED FROM THE BEST TURKISH TOBACCO BY THE IMPERIAL JAPANESE GOVERNMENT MONOPOLY".

DESIGN AND PACKAGING SPECIFICATIONS

The package utilizes a classic two-piece horizontal hull-and-slide (drawer-and-sleeve) cardboard construction showcasing beautiful lithography.

  • Front Shell Art: Features a vibrant Art Nouveau portrait of a woman in profile. Her hair is intricately adorned with pink and white flowers, beautifully framed by flowing gold arches, organic whipcord lines, and deep blue accents.
  • Reverse Shell Art: Displays an idyllic, pastel-toned river landscape (NILE) depicting detailed green palm trees overlooking a some pyramids.
  • Side Panel Typography & Price: Features bold vertical Japanese typography detailing the core retail parameters: 「アルマ」 (Alma), 「口紙巻煙草」 (Mouthpiece/Tipped Cigarettes), 「拾本入」 (10 Pieces Inside), and the official high-tier luxury consumer price: 「定價金貳拾錢」 (Fixed Price Gold 20 Sen). The lower edge bears a printed circular Monopoly Bureau inspection mark.
  • Inner Sliding Tray: Fully retains its original, matching deep green internal cardboard slide-out tray. 

POSTAGE

This item will be shipped worldwide by Registered Air Mail from Thailand. The postage cost is $15 USD. A tracking number will be provided. Postage does not include insurance. Shipping time will generally be 14-21 days but may be longer. I can combine several items and if doing so, I will adjust the shipping cost at checkout or refund any shipping savings. Other shipping methods, such as DHL, are available but are significantly more expensive. For shipping quotes for other services, please contact me before purchasing the item.

CUSTOMS & IMPORT DUTIES

You are responsible for any customs or import duties, including tariffs, that are not collected by eBay at the checkout. I am not responsible for any items which may be seized or returned or delayed by the customs officials in your country.

PLEASE NOTE

I have been selling on eBay for over 20 years with over 2000 sales. When you move to live in a different country, eBay require you to open a new account, along with a new banking facilities. As part of this process you need to start as a new seller and your previous history is disregarded.

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**THIS PACKET IS EMPTY. IT DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY CIGARETTES OR TOBACCO. IN COMPLIANCE WITH EBAY POLICY IT IS SOLD AS A COLLECTORS ITEM ONLY**