WD & HO Wills Cigarette Cards

The history of WD & HO Wills cigarette cards is similarly fascinating and intertwined with marketing, consumer culture, and the tradition of collecting. Here's an overview:

Origins (Late 19th Century):

  • W.D. & H.O. Wills was a British tobacco company founded in 1786.
  • In the late 19th century, as cigarette smoking grew in popularity, Wills recognized the potential of using collectible cards as a marketing tool.

Introduction of Cigarette Cards (Late 19th Century - Early 20th Century):

  • In the late 19th century, W.D. & H.O. Wills began including illustrated cards in their cigarette packets.
  • These cards featured a wide range of subjects, including famous people, places, events, sports, animals, and more.
  • Like Brooke Bond tea cards, Wills' cigarette cards served as an incentive for consumers to purchase their products and quickly gained popularity.

Expansion and Popularity (Early 20th Century):

  • Wills' cigarette cards became immensely popular among smokers, especially men, who collected and traded them eagerly.
  • The company released numerous series of cards, often tied to specific themes such as sports, military history, exploration, and popular culture.
  • The cards were meticulously designed and illustrated, often featuring colorful artwork and interesting facts or descriptions on the reverse side.

Heyday and Iconic Series (Early to Mid-20th Century):

  • The early to mid-20th century marked the heyday of cigarette card collecting, with Wills producing many iconic series during this period.
  • Some of the most famous and sought-after series included "Famous Golfers," "Ships and Shipping," "Famous Cricketers," and "Kings and Queens of England."