This striking uncommon vintage postcard advertises Wings Cigarettes, a brand first launched in 1929 by Brown & Williamson as a budget cigarette during the Depression era. On the front, the colorful lithograph illustration shows a joyous Black couple caught mid-dance, their movements surrounded by floating musical notes. The man, dressed sharply in a gray suit, steps forward with energy while his partner, in a bright yellow blouse, patterned skirt, and blue headscarf, matches him with exuberant motion. To the left of the scene is a large pack of Wings King Size Cigarettes, with the phrase “American Cigarettes — Perfect Blend” beneath. At the top left corner, the text reads “Wij Willen”, Dutch for “We want”, suggesting that this postcard was part of an overseas advertising campaign in the Netherlands or Belgium. The artist’s signature appears in red at the lower right; it is stylized and difficult to decipher. The reverse of the card deepens its international story. It is addressed to the Hirsch family in Amsterdam, Holland. The handwritten note is brief and in Dutch. The message translates to “Everything good. Greetings, Meanna.” Also printed text on the back includes the translated words “Municipal Theaters of Gelsenkirchen”, showing a German connection as well. The combination of Dutch and German references makes it clear this was not produced for the American market but rather intended as a European advertising piece. The card likely dates from the 1930s to the 1950s, a period when Wings was promoted both in the United States and abroad. During this era, the brand was widely known for its affordability—ten cents a pack—and later for its collectible airplane trading cards inserted into cigarette packs, which were especially popular in the early 1940s. The “King Size” emphasis seen here fits with mid-century branding, when longer cigarettes were marketed heavily. This postcard in Continental size (6 x 4 inches). (SOLD)
This vintage real photo postcard features five men in their hiking attire. They certainly don’t seem to be wearing very comfortable clothing for a hike. I hope there was no scrambling or navigating slippery portions of the trail required. If so, their suit pants won’t have a long life span. Other than wearing clothing that may hamper their efforts, the men are well equipped with binoculars and walking sticks. The men have cases for the binoculars and the gentleman all the way on the left has a larger bag slung over his shoulder. The men are also well supplied with smoking materials. Two of the men have cigarettes/cigars and two others are holding a pipe. Interestingly, mustaches must have been in vogue considering that each of the men are wearing one. Hats must have been equally popular. It would be fascinating to know the story of this gathering of outdoorsmen. The former owner of this image believes that the men are tourists, but he offers no supporting evidence. This vintage photo postcard is in very good condition (see scans).
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 