Several cigarettes companies produced collectible cards. We have compiled all the ones based on Military Medals and Decorations here. Amongst the most popular ones are the John Player set of 90 War Decorations and medals issued in 1927 by John Player & Sons. Other collections include 1971s Tommy Gunn set of 50 military medals.
What are Cigarette Collectible Cards?
Cigarette cards were trading cards issued by tobacco manufacturers. They were included in cigarette packs, primarily between 1875 and the 1940s, and depicted the period’s costumes, actresses, national flags, wild animals, sports, and cultural norms. In the UK, the first company to produce a popular general interest set was John Player & Sons, who launched their “Castles and Abbeys” collection in 1893. Thomas Ogden followed in 1894 and Wills in 1895, with their famous set “Ships and Sailors“.
Each cigarette card set consisted of 25 to 50 unique subjects – although some series reached 100 cards. Some early ones were printed on silk attached to a paper backing. However, these were discontinued during World War II and never reintroduced again.
Are Cigarette Cards Expensive?
The most valuable cigarette card in the world set a record when it sold for $3,120,000 in 2016. It was that of the baseball star Honus Wagner, an American baseball shortstop who played 21 seasons from 1897 to 1917. Although an exception, this is not the only card that can fetch big prices. Some cards are extremely rare, with only a few copies known, and generate a lot of interest when they go on auction.
All the Cigarette Cards based on Decorations and Medals
WD & WO Wills - Military Campaign Medals - 1906
This series of “Military Campaign Medals” cards by WD & WO Wills was created in 1906. The set contained 50 original cards.
Taddy - Orders of Chivalry - 1911
This series of “Orders of Chivalry” cards by Taddy was issued in 1911. The set contained 25 original cards with orders from several countries.
Taddy - British Medals & Decorations - 1912
This series of 50 “British Medals & Decorations” cards by Taddy was issued in 1912.
John Player & Sons - Victoria Cross Set - 1914
This series of 25 “Victoria Cross” cards by John Player & Sons was issued in 1914. The collection features fascinating stories about the winners of the Victoria Cross award for gallantry: Pvt AH Hook, Rorkes Drift, Gunner J Collis, Afghanistan, Pvt T Edwards, Soudan, Pvt S Parkes Balaclava, Lieut GF Day Crimea, Lieut AT Moore Persis, and many more.
The cigarette cards in this set are: 1 Midshipman RD Lucas (Bomarsund, 1854) 2 Lieut RJ Lindsay (Alma, 1854) 3 Sergt-Major Berryman & Quartermaster J Farrell (Balaclava, 1854) 4 Lieut AR Dunn (Balaclava, 1854) 5 Private S Parkes (Balaclava, 1854) 6 Lieut GF Day (Genitchi, Crimea, 1855) 7 Lieut AT Moore & Lieut Malcolmson (Kooshab, Persia, 1857) 8 The Blowing up of the Magazine (Delhi, 1857) 9 Lieut WA Kerr (Kolapore, 1857) 10 Lieut HM Havelock (Cawnpore, 1857) 11 MR RL Mangles (Arrah, India, 1857) 12 The Blowing up of the Cashmere Gate (Delhi, 1857) 13 Mr TH Cavanagh (Lucknow, 1857) 14 Lieut FS Roberts (Khodagunge, India, 1858) 15 Lance-Corp W Goate (Lucknow, 1858) 16 Capt of the Foretop S Mitchell (Gate Pah, NZ, 1864) 17 Lieut T Melville & NJA Coghill (Isandhlwana, 1879) 18 Private AH Hook (Rorke’s Drift, 1879) 19 Capt RH Buller (Inhlobane Mount, Zululand, 1879) 20 Gunner J Collis (Maiwand, Afghanistan, 1880) 21 Private T Edwards (Tamai, Soudan, 1884) 22 Piper G Findlater (Dargai, India, 1879) 23 Lieut, The Hon FHS Roberts (Colenso, 1899) 24 Major W Babtie (Colenso) 25 Corpl HC Beet (Wakkenstroom, S Africa, 1900)
John Player & Sons - War Decorations and Medals Set - 1927
This series of 90 “War Decorations and Medals” cards by John Player & Sons was issued in 1927. The collection features the medals issued to the heroes of war and includes some information about each one on the reverse.
Godfrey Phillips - British Orders of Chivalry & Valour Set - 1936
This series of 25 “British Orders of Chivalry & Valour” cards by Godfrey Phillips was created in 1936.
United Tob Cigarettes - "Medals & Decorations of the British Commonwealth of Nations" - 1941
This series of 100 cards is called “Medals & Decorations of the British Commonwealth of Nations” and was created by United Tob Cigarettes in 1941.
Glengettie - Medals of the World - 1959
This series of 25 cards is called “Medals of the World” and was made by Glengettie in 1959.
Tommy Gunn - 1971
This series of 50 cards is called “Medals” and was issued by Tommy Gunn in 1971. The cards have a plain back.
