Lot 282: Wills's Woodbines Lithographed Tin Advertising Perpetual Calendar
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A lithographed tin advertising sign for Wills’s Woodbines cigarettes incorporating a perpetual calendar mechanism. The cream ground features a central illustration of two Blue Tits perched on a blossoming branch, positioned above the slogan Smoked by millions in cursive script. To the lower left are depictions of a ten-cigarette pack and a twenty-cigarette box of Wild Woodbine cigarettes. The brand name WILLS’S WOODBINES is printed in bold black serif lettering across the top. The calendar function is controlled by three black knobs which rotate internal wheels to display the month and date through three apertures. The bottom edge is printed with the text W. D. & H. O. WILLS BRANCH OF THE IMPERIAL TOBACCO COMPANY (OF GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND), LIMITED. A small circular printer’s mark in the lower-left corner contains the letters S & B above the number 15631. The sign is constructed with a metal face crimped over a cardboard backing which includes a fold-out easel stand and a hanging string.
9.2 inches wide.
10.1 inches high.
Condition report:
The sign shows significant paint loss and deep scratching to the central and lower-right area of the bird illustration (photo 1). Minor oxidation and surface rust are visible along the crimped metal edges and around the date apertures (photo 1). The cream background displays general yellowing, surface scuffing, and minor pitting (photo 1). The internal date wheels exhibit brown foxing and are slightly misaligned within the windows (photo 1). The cardboard reverse shows significant staining and wear to the edges (photo 2).
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