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 749273.4.36
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, ‘VICTORIA.' The central coat of arms consists of a blue shield with three points along the top, the centre one of which is topped by an imperial crown, in gold. On the shield are five silver stars of differing sizes, representing the constellation of the Southern Cross. The shield is supported by two ladies with wreaths on their heads, draped in white and each wearing the flag of Australia around their shoulders with the union jack element of it prominently displayed. The figure on the left holds an olive branch, while the figure on the right has a cornucopia, or horn of plenty. Beneath the shield a banner reads 'PEACE AND PROSPERITY.' On the rear of the card is decorative scrolling and the text at the top reads 'No36 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 arms of Victoria, representing the constellation of the Southern Cross, surmounted by the Imperial Crown, have long been in use. The supporters, emblematic of the fruits of peace, have only recently been added. Victoria, formerly part of New South Wales, was made a separate colony in 1851. Melbourne is the capital.'