Cigarette card

Cigarette card is a type of trading card that was originally included in packages of cigarettes. These cards were first introduced in the mid-19th century and were produced in large quantities until the 1940s. They were primarily used as a marketing tool to encourage brand loyalty among consumers.

History

The first cigarette cards were introduced in the United States in the 1870s by Allen & Ginter, a tobacco manufacturing company. These cards were initially used to stiffen the cigarette packages and protect the cigarettes from damage. However, they quickly became a popular collectible item among consumers.

In the 1880s, cigarette cards began to be produced in the United Kingdom by W.D. & H.O. Wills, a British tobacco importer and manufacturer. The popularity of these cards spread across Europe and other parts of the world in the following decades.

Design and Content

Cigarette cards were typically small in size, measuring approximately 1.5 x 2.75 inches. They were made from thick paper or cardboard and were often printed with colorful illustrations on one side. The reverse side of the card usually contained information related to the illustration on the front.

The content of cigarette cards varied widely. They often featured images of famous people, such as actors, athletes, and military leaders. Other common themes included animals, plants, landmarks, and historical events. Some cards also contained educational information, such as tips for household tasks or facts about different countries.

Collecting

Collecting cigarette cards became a popular hobby in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many tobacco companies encouraged this by issuing series of cards on a particular theme. Some companies also offered special albums for consumers to store and display their cards.

Today, cigarette cards are considered valuable collectibles. They are sought after by collectors for their historical significance and artistic value. The value of a cigarette card depends on several factors, including its age, condition, rarity, and the popularity of its subject matter.

See Also

• Trading card
• Tobacco card
• Baseball card

References

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