General Auction including Antiques & Collectables, Gold & Silver (14% Buyers Commission)
A commemorative cigarette card album issued by John Player and Sons, a branch of the Imperial Tobacco Company (of Great Britain and Ireland), Limited. This publication was released in 1937 to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King George VI and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The front cover features a decorative heraldic border incorporating the rose, thistle, shamrock, and daffodil, surmounted by the Royal Cypher G VI R and the Tudor crown. It retains the original printed price of Three Pence at the bottom.
The album is designed to contain the complete Player’s Coronation Series of cigarette cards. The internal pages provide descriptive text for various ceremonial roles and chivalric orders, with designated spaces for the corresponding cards. This example is partially or fully populated with colour lithographic cards, including The Order of the Indian Empire, The Royal Victorian Order, The Order of the British Empire, Master of the Horse, Lord Lyon King of Arms, Bluemantle Pursuivant, Lord High Chancellor of England, Lord Chief Justice of England, and The Order of the Garter.
The reverse of the album features the Player’s Navy Cut sailor trademark and the marketing slogan Player’s Please. A small numerical stamp reading 10696 is present in the lower-left corner of the back cover.
Condition report:
The album is in good vintage condition consistent with its age. The paper covers exhibit general age-toning and visible foxing/spotting, particularly on the front cover and along the internal gutter of the pages. The corners show minor wear and softening. The internal pages and cigarette cards are well-preserved, with the cards retaining bright lithographic colours.
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