Collection: Rameses

In 1895, the Stephano Bros. of Philadelphia introduced Rameses II cigarettes, named after the great ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Most of the ads for Rameses II featured Egyptian themes, from images of scarab beetles to depictions of Rameses’ actual temple in Abu Simbel. Other ads for Rameses depicted luxurious vacationing in order to market the large “week-end tins” ideal for short trips. The brand capitalized on aristocracy, glamour and luxury in its advertising. Rameses appear to have been discontinued in the late 1990s.