Early 20th Century British Cigarette Cards: 275+ John Player and Sons, Plus Gallaher and Churchman Cards. Cigarette cards were trading cards issued by tobacco manufacturers to stiffen cigarette packaging and advertise cigarette brands. Between 1875 and the 1940s, cigarette companies often included collectible cards with their packages of cigarettes and the subjects could vary wildly as seen in this collection of Wills Cigarette trading/collectible cards issued by John Player and Sons, Imperial Tobacco manufacturing. This is a fine collection of cards and well archived. Taken all together, the cards demonstrate life pre and post WWI as well as insight into the appeal these cards achieved based on the subjects and their customers. Each card measure 2.75 x 1.5" with a colorful image to the front, and explanatory text on the verso in quite small print. 50 cards "Uniforms of the Territorial Army" 20 "Poultry", 17 "Army Corps Division Signal", 5 "National Flags and Arms", 71 "Wild Animal Heads" 25 "Miniatures", 59 "Products of the World" 25 "Struggle of Existence (plants)" 7 "Aviary and Cage Birds", 8 "Celebrated Gateways" 7 "Dogs" 5 "Dandies" and 13 "Characters from Dickens"
Miscellaneous Companies: Gallaher Ltd: First 48 of the 50 total "Garden Flowers" and W. A. & A.C. Churchman 9 "Wonderful Railway Travel" Cards. Estimated Value $150 - 300