Lot 56: A Collection of Early to Mid-20th Century British Cigarette and Trade Cards

A large assortment of cigarette and trade cards, primarily of British origin, housed in a clear plastic storage container. The collection features hundreds of cards from prominent manufacturers including W.D. and H.O. Wills, Gallaher Ltd, and Lambert and Butler. The subject matter covers a wide array of educational and recreational themes typical of the early to mid-20th century. Identified series include Wills’s Borough Arms (featuring Forfar), Nelson’s Last Signals, African Wild Life by Gallaher Ltd, and Treasure from Tutankhamen’s Tomb. Humorous and illustrative series are represented by Lawson Wood’s Gran’pop series. Natural history subjects are prevalent, with cards depicting garden flowers, wild flowers, and various dog breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel. Maritime and aviation interest is included, notably a Lambert and Butler card depicting the Hannibal at Malakal aircraft. Visible printed markings include WILLS’S CIGARETTES, W.D. AND H.O. WILLS BRISTOL AND LONDON, LAMBERT AND BUTLER’S CIGARETTES, and GALLAHER LTD. VIRGINIA HOUSE, LONDON AND BELFAST. The cards are mostly arranged in bundles, suggesting a mixture of complete sets and assorted odds.