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The card features a striking sepia-toned image of Charlie Chaplin lighting a cigarette, with his name printed along the lower border. The reverse has the classic postcard-style layout associated with early Exhibit issues.
Card details:
- Subject: Charlie Chaplin
- Era: 1920s
- Issue: Exhibits
- Image/Variation: Lighting Cigarette
- Grade: SGC 2 GOOD
- SGC Certification: 5034792
- Format: Oversized postcard-style exhibit card
- Original vintage issue
Exhibit cards of this period were postcard-sized pieces distributed through coin-operated arcade/card vending machines. The Metropolitan Museum of Art documents Charlie Chaplin cards within the W401 Movie Stars Exhibit Card series, generally dating approximately 1915–1930, and notes that these oversized cards were dispensed through arcade machines.
This particular pose is an especially appealing Chaplin image, showing him in a broad-brimmed hat with cigarette in hand. A current ungraded example of the same “lights cigarette” pose is being offered at $700, demonstrating how scarce and specialized this variation is, although an asking price should not be treated as a confirmed sale.
The card shows substantial age-related wear consistent with the assigned SGC 2 grade, including corner and surface wear. Despite the technical grade, the central image remains strong and displays very well in the SGC holder.
You will receive the exact graded card pictured. Please review both front and back photographs for condition.
