27.75" x 19.75" x 2".

Canadian. 1890. This is a fabulous piece of Canadian tobacco history, showing a young lad holding "noisy" instruments (drum and horn) and making a ruckus to appropriately announce "Noisy Boy" Cigars. What a great subtle yet appropriate name for cigars. The J.M. Fortier company in Montreal was a Canadian manufacturer of cigars and the maker of "Noisy Boys". The name reflects the sizzling and crackling sounds made by the finest of cigars when a draw is taken. Think of a campfire and the sounds of wood sizzling and crackling as the fire is stoked and reaches its peak. J.M. Fortier captured these sounds, calling his cigars "noisy boys" for those very reasons. These cigars were of the finest quality, with just the right amount of crackle. The history of cigar smoking dates back to 2500 BC, when tobacco was used by the Mayans for medicinal purposes. The word "cigar" originates from the word "sikar", the Mayan-Indian word for smoking. it eventually became a status symbol, a luxury item typically only available to the upper-class who could afford only the finest cigars made with the finest tobacco leaves and who represented wealth, power, prestige and sophistication. Even the cigar band, an item introduced in the 1830s, was made to protect the fingers (from staining) of upper-class gentlemen who attended society events where they would eventually retire to a library or sitting room to enjoy a glass of fine whiskey along with a fine cigar. This sign is a remarkable survivor from the early history of tobacciana in Canada. A rare and unique advertisement that was made using the complicated technique of reverse painting on glass. Reverse paintings on glass rarely survived for obvious reasons. To find one of these, particularly one advertising an early part of Canadian tobacciana history, is akin to finding a needle in a haystack. This is a holy grail for cigar aficionado's, tobacciana collectors, and advertising collectors and one which rarely comes to market. Marked, "J.M. Fortier Montreal", below image. All items are guaranteed authentic by Miller & Miller Auctions. All purchases are eligible for paid delivery to the Spring Dixie Gas & Oil Show on April 10-12 2025.

The blue and white background paints have been refreshed. Haziness surrounds the central image from where it was taped off. Minor gilt touch-up to the letters "J" and "M". Glitter has been applied to some of the gilt script. Retains original frame.

Reverse painting on glass.