Limberlost

Cigarette cards were issued from the turn of the century until the late 1940's.  There purpose was to provide support to the flimsy cigarette packages of the time.  The cards covered a huge range of subjects with dogs being the most fun for me.  Here is a selection of cards. The back of each card usually has a description of the breed.  Recently there has been reprints, so when buying it is recommended to buy from a reputable dealer.  These are inexpensive collectables since the cards range in price between $3.00 to $10.00, depending on the age and condition.

Issued in 1938, this is no. 27 in the second series of 48 by Gallaher, Ltd.

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This card was issued by John Player & Sons in 1931, it is number 37 of a series of 50.  On the back is a description of the breed and it states: "These red and white spaniels may be described as enlarged Cockers, but with less feathering and shorter ears.  The Welsh Springer was recognized by the Kennel Club as a separate variety in 1902.  He is a symmetrical, compact, strong, merry and very active dog, not stilty, and obviously built for endurance and activity.  His coat should be flat and thick and of a nice silky texture, never curly or waved.  Colour: only red and white.  The uniformity of colour and its irregular distribution give him a quite picturesque appearance.  Height about 12 inches.  Weight: 35-40 lb."

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This card was originally issued in 1936 but a reprinted version is shown, this is marked at the bottom of the card.  It is 34 of a series of 50 dogs.  On the back it states: "A breed whose popularity is chiefly confined to Wales, the Welsh Springer probably comes from the same stock as did the English Springer, and was known in Wales as a shooting dog for generations before it was placed on the Kennel Club register in 1902.  In size it is between the Cocker and the English Springer, but its colour is restricted to rich dark red and white.  It rarely appears at English shows, except the larger championship events, but it has quite a large following in Wales, where it used to be known as the "Starter"."

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This card was issued by Vims-Pet in 1967 no. 46 out of 50 series of puppies.  On the back it states:  "This playful little puppy belongs to the TARFGI or a "dispensing dog" of Wales, where it is very popular.  It is probably directly descended from the spaniel referred to in the Ancient Laws of Wales in the 10th century.  It is slightly smaller than the English Springer and is easily recognized by its red and white colouring."

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This is one of my favorite cards which was issued by Wills number 25 in a series of 40 entitled "Puppies". This particular card is a reprint.   It is done by Lucy Dawson who is a wonderful animal artist of the 30's and 40's.  On the back it states: ""Judy" spent the day with me alone at my studio, and we became great friends even in so short a time.  I hope to renew her friendship very soon, as she was a charming model and a perfect lady -very pretty with her silky gold and white coat.  She didn't mind being left with me - I thin she approved of the visit.  signed Lucy Dawson" 

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This card issued by Cadet Sweets is from the first series, no.12 Welsh Springer Spaniel.  On the back it states: "Spaniels, as the name indicates, originally came from Spain, but this breed of gundog which is equally at home on both land and water ahs been known in Wales for 10 centuries.  It stands around 17 inches, weighs about 40 pounds and has a reddish-brown and white coat of fairly short straight hair."