General Auction including Antiques & Collectables, Gold & Silver (14% Buyers Commission)
A collection of vintage cigarette card albums issued by W.D. & H.O. Wills and John Player & Sons, both being branches of the Imperial Tobacco Company (of Great Britain and Ireland), Limited. These albums, originally sold for the price of “One Penny”, were designed for collectors to house illustrated cards found in cigarette packets. The collection focuses on British monarchical themes and includes the following titles: “Our King and Queen” commemorating King George VI and Queen Elizabeth; two copies of “The Reign of King George V, 1910 – Silver Jubilee – 1935”; and two copies of “The Kings and Queens of England, 1066-1935”. The interior pages contain a mix of monochrome photographic cards and colour portrait cards, the latter based on historical works from the National Portrait Gallery. Descriptive printed text accompanies each card, providing historical context on royal weddings, public appearances, and biographical information on English monarchs from the Norman Conquest onwards. One album cover features a contemporary handwritten name in ink to the top margin: “KEITH ADAMSON”.
Condition report:
The albums exhibit typical age-related wear, including significant foxing and spotting to the covers. Tanning and light staining are evident on the paper throughout. The edges and corners show minor bumping and surface wear. The interior cigarette cards appear to be neatly and fully adhered within their designated spaces.
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