Issued as premiums redeemable for use of Helmar's Turkish Trophy cigarettes the S81 "Silk" premiums along with the T3/T9 Turkey Red cabinets and the L1 leathers all utilize the same designs (where the subjects are shared) and were all part of the same promotion. Considered by many to be the three most beautiful high-quality tobacco issues the hobby has ever seen the T3/T9 S81 and L-1 issues are still extremely sought-after today. Collectors could redeem 25 Helmar cigarette coupons for one silk. The first five silks of the 30-subject complete S81 set are the only ones unrelated to baseball each featuring the military subjects featured in the L4 Leather series discussed elsewhere in this auction (Buffalo Bill Cody Napoleon Bonaparte George Washington Ulysses S Grant and Robert E Lee). With the exception of the Christy Mathewson S81 silks are extremely rare today with no more than a few hundred examples thought to exist. Presented here is a tremendous example of Grover Cleveland Alexander's silk a large piece (approximately 6 3/4" x 8 3/4") with a colorful image of Alexander about to deliver a pitch. Some fraying at the top and bottom edges is evident consistent with the issue and fabric and the edges exhibit some light age-related discoloration. A tremendous piece very rare and desirable.