I've come across this expression twice in the past week, once in a magazine article and once on a sitcom on TV. What does it mean?

Waaay back when, tobacco was sold in a small can or pouch. Prince Albert was the brand name of the canned and Bull Durm was the name of the cloth bag w/drawstring brand.

This is going back to the 'roll your own' days.

Years ago, my Dad told me about a grocery store in the small town he was raised. One day the owner got a phone call.

The caller asks the proprietor, "Do you have Camel cigarettes???"

"Yes, we do."

The caller asks, "Do you have King Edward cigars???"

The store owner says, "Yes we have those."

The caller asks, "Do you have Prince Albert in a can???"

Once again the owner says, "Yes, we do."

"WOULD YOU PLEASE LET HIM OUT???!!!"

CLICK

Here he is Sarai,

Prince Albert in a Can

If I remember correctly Prince Albert was the royal consort of Queen Victoria.

Great site JT, thanks.
Good heavens, Lighteningrodd, I'd forgotten that old joke.

I actually had to call a store and ask them that once!
But I explained that I was serious - it was tobacco for my cousin!

funny, i always thought Prince Alberts were sardines...

Just to make sure no one leaves this posting not knowing the full facts:

Bull Durham is cigarette tobacco...

Prince Albert is PIPE tobacco......

Now go in peace...!

I used to play that prank too!


The real question is...

Is your refrigerator running?
(ya better go catch it!)