Between the 1890s and 1930s tobacco companies in the US and other countries commonly inserted small “silks “- actually satins - into cigarette and tobacco products as an advertising tool and a lure for women to smoke. These silks were in collectible series and had images of birds, flowers, women, animals, colleges, famous people, military symbols, and Native Americans. Women used these silks to create decorative pieces for the home.

Some of these silks are from American companies Nebo, Zira, and American Tobacco. Kensitas and BDV silks are from Greta Britain. Most have been lost because off their fragility.