This is a very nice original card set which was issued in 1938 in the UK for Ardath Tobacco Co. Ltd. The set of 25 cards is entitled "Dog Studies"...."A Series of 25 Reproduced from Photo Etchings". They were given as a free premium in larger packets of State Express or Ardath Cigarettes. The back of each card has printed details relating to the breed pictured.Each card measures 3.75 inches by 2.75 inches.
The printed text on the reverse of the Great Dane card pictured above reads as follows...."Probably descended from the hunting boarhounds of Central Europe, the Great Dane of to-day is lighter in weight,more graceful in movement- and certainly more prepossessing in looks- than his forbears, whose dash and daring, however, he inherits. In this breed are found all the characteristics that endear dogs to mankind. The Great Dane is dignified and somewhat reserved, always well-mannered but an effective guard should occasion arise. In spite of his size and power, the Great Dane is a lithe and agile dog, and his air of alertness and attention is typical. They are bred in several colours, viz.: fawn, brindle, harlequin, black and blue."
The breeds of dogs we have on offer from this set are......... Shetland Sheepdog, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, Saint Bernard, Wire Fox Terrier, Pekingese, Cairn Terrier, Dalmatian, Bull Terrier, Alsatian(German Shepherd), Borzoi, Collie, Deerhound, Chow Chow, Airedale Terrier, Bloodhound, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Samoyed, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terrier and Bulldog.
The original photographs from which these "etchings" were produced were very probably taken by Thomas Fall who was the most celebrated dog photographer of the time in the United Kingdom.If it was indeed Fall who took the photographs then the Great Danes and the Irish Wolfhounds pictured would likely be of the "Ouborough" kennels which he photographed many times.All of the other photographs/etchings would also very likely be of the leading kennels of the day.
Please use the link provided above to see these cards and our many other items, including rare and unusual, for sale at our TIAS store.
