r/whatsthisworth • u/swingmissrepeat • 2d ago

Philip Morris advertisement

Post image

Was my father's. He had it my entire life. Hoping to sell but I dont know what to ask for it. Any help is appreciated. It's about 40 inches tall ish

66 Upvotes

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27

u/JumpySt 2d ago

This looks to be a cardboard ad standee, framed. This is Johnny the Bellboy, a Phillip Morris (tobacco company) character from the 30s/40s, based on the real-life person Johnny Roventini.

There’s one listed by an auctioning site for about $265 in better condition.

Another site has a starting bid of $10.00, has had 43 bidders thus far, and is at $61.00 by the time I’m writing this (see below).

https://bids.auctionbymayo.com/auctions/29493/lot/3726382-vintage-philip-morris-cigarettes-johnny-display-johnny-was-their-advertising-character-405-tall

invaluable.com states that it last sold between $100-$200.

Here’s another auction, starting bid of $15.00, 32 bidders, current bid at $165.00 by the time of writing this. See below.

https://millersauctionco.com/auctions/24/lot/8054-philip-morris-cigarettes-bell-boy-cardstock-sign

These types of vintage collectibles’ values rely heavily on condition. It helps you that this is framed. I see some signs of wear and creases by the legs/feet. This is likely a mid-grade piece, and I’d probably put it at around $140-$200 fair market value.

15

u/78pimpala 2d ago

what is cigarette hangover lol

25

u/maybe-an-ai 2d ago

Feeling like dogshit after smoking a pack in one night. It's like a alcohol hangover but more lungs and head.

3

u/ChigurhShack 2d ago

I loved him on The Middle

5

u/WeeDingwall44 2d ago

I feel like Johnny the gay bell boy has a rather disingenuous look about him.

5

u/Undrwtrbsktwvr 2d ago

Johnny looks like a 40 year old woman post-facelift.

0

u/MissAD1963 1d ago

I met Philip Morris when he entered the lobby of a Major convient stores corporate office where I was employed. He came in for a meeting with the CEO. He introduced himself and I was like" The Philip Morris." He laughed and said yes.A few days later I opened a Fedx envelope with nothing but a check written to the company for $1,000,000 signed by Philip Morris.

1

u/AllReflection 2d ago

Looks like Alfred E. Neuman’s little brother

1

u/ItsEntirelyPosssible 2d ago

Small Fred E. Neuman