General Auction including Antiques & Collectables, Gold & Silver (14% Buyers Commission)

General Auction including Antiques & Collectables, Gold & Silver (14% Buyers Commission)

Catalogue

Lot 33: A Large Collection of Vintage Tobacco and Trade Cards Including Wills's and Player's Series with Reference Catalogue

Live auction will start in __ days and __ hours

Start price: £10

Estimated price: £80 - £120

Buyer's Premium:

A substantial collection of vintage cigarette and trade cards, predominantly from British manufacturers W.D. & H.O. Wills and John Player & Sons, along with examples from Gallaher Ltd. The collection includes various series and subjects, primarily housed in transparent multi-pocket plastic sleeves. Notable sets from John Player & Sons include The King’s Coronation (1937), featuring cards such as Garter King of Arms and Bluemantle Pursuivant; portraits of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother); and ceremonial figures including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop of York, and the Speaker of the House of Commons. Military and uniform series feature the Yeoman of the King’s Bodyguard, Master of the Horse, and regimental uniforms like the Royal Scots. W.D. & H.O. Wills series identified include Lucky Charms, depicting zodiac signs and various talismans; Old Inns Series 1 and 2; and British Mammals. Further subjects within the collection include Native American portraits, vintage motor cars, racing scenes, and Flags of All Nations. Accompanying the cards is a copy of the Cigarette Card Catalogue, 2003 Edition, published by The London Cigarette Card Company Ltd.


Condition report:

The cards are ungraded and appear to be in a range of conditions from Lightly Played to Near Mint. The majority are well-preserved within protective sleeves, though some individual cards exhibit minor edge wear, softened corners, or light foxing consistent with age. The reference catalogue shows moderate wear to the covers and edges but remains intact and functional.