Issued as premiums redeemable for use of Helmar's Turkish Trophy cigarettes, collectors could redeem 25 Helmar cigarette coupons for one S81 silk. Silks were a particular type of issue offered by the American Tobacco Company and were meant to be sewn onto (or into) larger objects such as pillows or blankets. Smaller versions, roughly the size of a standard tobacco card and known in the hobby as S74's, are seen in some quantity; not so, their larger S81 brethren, which measure approximately 6 3/4" x 8 3/4" each.

The first five silks of the 30-subject S81 set are unrelated to baseball, with each featuring military subjects (Buffalo Bill Cody, Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, and Robert E. Lee). The remaining 25 subjects are all baseball players, with 20 of them also appearing in the T3 Turkey Red set.

The S81 Silks, 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, each of these issues are still extremely sought-after today.

S81 silks are extremely rare today, with no more than a few hundred examples thought to exist. Presented here is a tremendous example of Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson's issue. "Big Six" is pictured here in striking detail and brilliant color, having come set just before delivering a powerful pitch. This widely-recognized pose is also featured on his T206, his T3, and his E95 cards, among other places.

Some light fraying at the top and bottom edges is evident, consistent with the issue and fabric, and the edges exhibit some light age-related discoloration. Light creasing and surface wear is present, but the text is still dark and legible, and the colors are still bold and true. A tremendous, unique piece - both rare and very desirable.