Cigarette card
Category
Ephemera
Date
Unknown
Materials
card
Measurements
35 mm (Width) x 0.5 mm (Depth); 68 mm (Length)
Order this imageCollection
Mr Straw's House, Nottinghamshire
NT 749273.4.27
Summary
One of a set of 50 of Will's Cigarette cards 'Arms of the British Empire'. The first of three partail sets of cigarette cards kept in a wooden box with two compartments, a metal hinged lid painted red with a yellow / orange flower and card suit design. On the front of the card, at the top, is the title 'ARMS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE.' To the left of the central coat of arms image it reads 'WILLS's, and then to the right 'CIGARETTES.' Beneath the image is the location the arms originate from, ‘MALTA.' The central coat of arms consists of a shield featuring the Maltese cross. A central line divides the shield and cross in two, leaving the left hand with a red background and silver half cross, and the right ride with a silver background and red half cross. On the rear of the card is decorative scrolling and the text at the top reads 'No27 ARMS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE, 'WILLS'S CIGARETTES. The text at the base reads 'W.D. & H.O. WILLS.' BRISTOL & LONDON. ISSUED BY THE IMPERIAL TOBACCO Co. (OF GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND)Ltd' Down either side of the card there is text running vertically which in its entirety reads 'ALBUMS FOR THESE PICTURE CARDS CAN BE OBTAINED AT 1/- EACH FROM ALL TOBACCONISTS.' In the centre of the rear of the card the decoration creates a box for information specific to the location portrayed on the card. In this instance it reads 'The well-known Maltese cross is the device of this island. A black cross on a white background, or vice versa, is sometimes used. Malta was conquered by Count Rodger, the Norman, in 1090. In 1530 it was granted to the Knights of St. John. In 1798 the island was taken by Napoleon, but the Maltese rose against the French garrison, and in 1800 Great Britain took possession.'