MOFBA • Advertising History in China (dormant)

N.G. Semin passed away in 1942 and his death probably also marked the end of the Viener factory. P.S. Follow us on X / Twitter @ mofbacn. Still mode engagement there...

He arrived in Shanghai in 1930, after some time in Harbin and Dairen. In Shanghai he was member of the Russian Chamber of Commerce, one of the founders of the Russian Club and a leading member of the Russian Athletic Association.

Here's the inside of the factory with its two proprietors. Not much is known about Lang but Semin was an important representative of Russian commerce in Shanghai. He worked for 7 years at "Sikunov’s firm in Saint Petersburg", then spent two years on the battlefront in the World War.

1930s photo of a branded truck in front of the Viener Sausage Factory in Shanghai, China. The company was started by German Adolf D. Lang and Russian Nikolay Gavrilovich Semin on Route Dollfus in the French Concession - today's Nanchang Road.

Ohai there. Shall we come back to Bluesky?

Risqué 1920s cigarette card by Tuck Loong Tobacco from Shanghai, China.

Actually this would be the right address. The former card was from the second Shanghai location added later it turns out.

1920s advertising card for "Jew's Restaurant" in Chefoo (Yantai), China.

The Postwar Coca-Colonization of China: This ultra-rare Coca-Cola ad from our collection is from 1948, when the American soft drink giant sponsored the 7th Chinese National Games. It was a smashing success, but soon led to unexpected consequences...

www.mofba.org/2025/04/12/t...

Coca-Cola advertisement in a Shanghai grocery store sometime during the late 1940s.

1930s luggage label for the China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC)

Smoke like a champion - 1934 Chinese magazine cover advertisement for My Dear cigarettes.

A sailor chatting with two ladies below a Coca-Cola sign in Shanghai or possibly Hong Kong during the 1940s.

1932 print ad for Ovomaltine in Shanghai, China.

Ting How" (Very good!) - 1940s Chinese Toonwood tea ad.

Vintage Arbuckle Bros. coffee trade card, ca. 1893.

1939 lithographic advertising poster for the Japanese-controlled North China Railway Co.

"Youth take pleasure in it and fine ladies love it" - 1926 ad for Nestlé chocolates in China.

Craven "A" And Other Stories: Ashtray and Print Ad “Mr. Yuan,” she said, “would you like to come over to my table and have a cigarette?” “I would be honoured to. Please have one of my cigarettes.” “No, thanks. I only smoke Craven A.” “Why Craven A?” “...

www.mofba.org/2021/03/10/c...

www.mofba.org/2021/11/22/t...

Advertising billboards in the French Concession of Shanghai, China in 1932.

Vaseline is one of the most recognized brands globally & these artefacts from our collection show how over 100 years ago, the famous petroleum jelly found its way into Chinese households, becoming a trusted name in health & beauty. Here is how they pulled it off- twice: www.mofba.org/2025/03/31/h...

1920s Chinese cigarette card for Pirate cigarettes.

1945 print ad for Hiram Walker's gin "with pre-war quality imported botanicals from China".

The Shanghai Old City around the Willow Pattern Tea-house plastered with billboards, mostly advertising various cigarette brands. 1930s Japanese postcard.

"Friends tell friends about Chesterfield cigarettes" - Chinese print ad from 1935.

French linen label from 1870 for the A La Fileuse Chinoise brand.

Ca. 1930s Chinese "Gee Whiz!" firecracker label.

Original photo of an EWO beer-branded car somewhere in China (most likely Shanghai) during the 1930s.

1930s ad for Swedish-manufactured Aunt's Ointment against Hong Kong foot, published in Shanghai, China. 😆

"Good As Gold" - 1930s Chinese advertising poster for Pay Car cigarettes.