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Fil au Chinois, Sewing Thread

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Description

Produced around 1910, this original French advertising poster was created for Fil Au Chinois, one of France's most respected manufacturers of premium sewing thread. Marketed by Ph. Vrau & Cie of Lille and printed by the celebrated Parisian lithographic house F. Champenois, the poster promoted thread intended for both hand sewing and industrial sewing machines during a period of rapid growth in the French textile industry.

The Fil Au Chinois brand traces its origins to the mid-19th century and became internationally recognized for producing exceptionally strong, waxed linen thread favored by professional tailors, leatherworkers, shoemakers, and saddlers. The name, translating to "Chinese Thread," referenced the historical association of China with the production of fine silk and luxury textiles. Although manufactured in France, the branding capitalized on this reputation for quality, a common marketing practice of the era.

The central figure, dressed as a Mandarin official and framed by Chinese script, reinforces the brand identity while the thread spools illustrated below highlight the product being advertised. The lower margin identifies Ph. Vrau & Cie of Lille, a major French textile company, alongside F. Champenois of Paris, one of the country's foremost printers of illustrated advertising posters at the turn of the twentieth century.

Today, Fil Au Chinois remains in production, making this poster an early example from one of the world's longest-running thread brands. Beyond its commercial purpose, it reflects the international influences, branding strategies, and expanding consumer culture that shaped French advertising during the Belle Époque.

Size: 41.0" x 28.25"

Condition: Good to Very Good, Age-appropriate wear, fading and toning. Poster has a protective laminate for its original outdoor display. Please use the photo zoom feature to get a better understanding of overall condition. *Additional photos available upon request.

Condition Details

Condition - Good to Very Good

Age-appropriate wear, fading and toning. Poster has a protective laminate for its original outdoor display. Tear in center left border. Faint background creases. Minute paper loss between legs of central figure. Please use the photo zoom feature to get a better understanding of overall condition. *Additional photos available upon request.

Grading System

We us a widely recognized 6 scale system to grade our posters.

  • MINT - A poster in mint condition looks like it just came off of the press. It will have no blemishes or defects of any kind. It can be folded or rolled, depending on the original packing method (most movie posters were sent folded).
  • NEAR MINT - A poster in near mint condition may have minor imperfections in the border only. The artwork is in excellent condition with no blemishes whatsoever.
  • VERY GOOD - A poster in very good condition may have blemishes in the border and up to approximately one inch of the poster's artwork. There may be small tears in the artwork along the fold lines only. It may also have minor fading. In general, a poster in very good condition may show some wear and often will project a subtle classic vintage vibe without detracting from the artwork.
  • GOOD - A poster in good condition may have tears or small holes that measure no larger than a quarter on the outer edges of the poster's artwork. Pieces of the border may be torn or missing or have holes; there may be mild bleed-through in the outer area of the artwork; there may be mild fading. In general, a poster in good condition will have minor blemishes around the border and into the outer edges of the artwork. The major area of the artwork will be clear of any blemishes. Some people actually prefer this type of poster, which definitely shows some age and character.
  • FAIR - A poster in fair condition may have major blemishes that directly affect the artwork of the poster. The poster is recognizable and the artwork is primarily intact. A poster in fair condition can benefit from professional restoration.
  • POOR - Posters in poor condition will have serious blemishes or tears or in such poor shape that even the slightest handling might add to the damage. In many cases, a poster in this condition should be professionally restored.
Shipping

All items are carefully hand-packed and shipped in a sturdy tube within 3 business days of payment unless otherwise indicated. Some items which were previously folded or not suitable for rolling will be sent in a flat pack. Please note that an adult signature may be required upon delivery, so we are unable to ship to PO boxes.

Express Shipping: An optional Express Shipping (estimated 2–3 business days) upgrade is available at checkout for domestic U.S. orders.

Unless otherwise noted in the product description or a special offer, shipping rates are as follows:

Posters

  • Domestic shipping- USA: $20 (FREE USA shipping over $125)
  • Canada: $40
  • Europe: $60 USD
  • Australia/New Zealand/Japan/Singapore: $70
  • Israel: $60

Antique Prints, Cover Art & Illustrations

  • Domestic Shipping- USA: $15 (FREE USA shipping over $125)
  • Canada: $30
  • Europe: $40 USD
  • Australia/New Zealand/Japan/Singapore: $50
  • Israel: $50

NOTE for International Shipments: Shipping rates do not include international taxes or duties which may be charged by your country's border customs control agency. 

Returns

Our Guarantee

All of our posters are guaranteed to be authentic and as described in the product description to the best of our knowledge and belief, and in good faith. Quite simply, if you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, simply contact us within 14 days of receipt and we'll gladly accept your return, providing the item is in the same condition as it was sent.

Returns

Our policy lasts 14 days. If 14 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately, we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it. It must also be sent in the original packaging.

There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable). Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error. Any item that is returned more than 14 days after delivery may also be ineligible.

Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. Your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within two business days. Original shipping costs are not refundable. 

Shipping

To return your product, you should mail your product to:

Authentic Vintage Posters- RETURNS
7514 Girard Ave
STE 1615
La Jolla, CA 92037

You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable.

If you are returning an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service and purchasing shipping insurance. We can't guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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