| Accession Number | RELAWM04442.001 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Paper, Tobacco |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Sinai Palestine 1918: Final Battles |
| Maker |
M & F Liebhold |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | c 1914-1919 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Home front : German substitute tobacco, in original 'Jagerpreis' packet
Description
Paper tobacco packet containing a 60 gram mixture of 20% tobacco, 30% cherry leaves and 50% perfumed cherry leaves. The front of the packet is stamped with an image of a bent pipe and the German manufacturer's details.
History / Summary
The Allied blockade of Germany during the First World War hampered maritime commerce with Germany, forcing the country to develop substitutes for some products. These Ersatz (German for substitute or replacement) goods were usually considered of inferior quality.
Due to the scarcity of tobacco, the price of cigarettes and cigars rose exorbitantly and the quality was far below the normal standard. Several other substances were mixed with tobacco. Beech, cherry, vine, chestnut, raspberry, oak, blackberry and hop leaves were extensively used. Prices for the substitutes ranged from £5/15/ per cwt to 3/ per lb.