Lot 168: A Collection of Early 20th-Century Cigarette Cards and Topographical Postcards Including Wills Lucky Charms and Gallaher Dogs Series

A large and diverse collection of early 20th-century ephemera, primarily comprising trade cigarette cards and printed topographical postcards. The collection includes multiple thematic series from prominent British tobacco manufacturers. A significant portion of the cigarette cards are presented in modern protective multi-pocket plastic sleeves.

The trade cards include several identifiable series. A detailed series from W.D. and H.O. Wills is titled LUCKY CHARMS, featuring ancient and global symbols including a swastika (presented in its historical context as a luck symbol), the ankh, the caduceus, and various amulets. Each card is printed with WILLS’S CIGARETTES at the top and the subject name at the bottom. A second series from the same manufacturer focuses on the Zodiac, with cards for Aries – The Ram, Virgo – The Virgin, Libra – The Balance, Scorpio – The Scorpion, and Sagittarius – The Archer clearly visible.

Other series include a Gallaher Ltd set titled DOGS, with one card marked SERIES OF 48 NO 15. The collection also features multiple sets from John Player and Sons, identifiable by the printed text PLAYER’S CIGARETTES. These series encompass a variety of subjects including early motor cars, military uniforms, members of the British Royal Family, and wild animals such as moose, lynx, and antelope.

The postcard component of the collection consists of printed topographical views, primarily focused on Niagara Falls. Captured scenes include American Falls and Rainbow Bridge from Luna Island, and A Picturesque Scene from Prospect Park, Niagara Falls. One card bears a French inscription reading Avec l’autorisation de l’Amirauté. A handwritten date of 1914 is visible on the reverse of one card.