Craven Black Cat Cards

Craven Black Cat cigarette cards hold a unique place in the history of tobacco-related collectibles. Here's an overview of their story:

Origins:

  • Craven Black Cat cigarettes were produced by Carreras Limited, a British tobacco company founded in 1788.
  • The brand gained prominence in the early 20th century, known for its distinctive packaging featuring a black cat motif.

Introduction of Cigarette Cards:

  • As a marketing strategy, Carreras began including illustrated cards in their Craven Black Cat cigarette packets.
  • These cards were similar to those produced by other tobacco companies, featuring a wide range of subjects designed to appeal to collectors.

Distinctive Themes and Series:

  • Craven Black Cat cigarette cards covered various themes, including sports, famous personalities, historical events, animals, and more.
  • One notable series was the "Famous Authors" set, featuring portraits of renowned writers along with brief biographical information.

Artistic Design and Quality:

  • Carreras paid particular attention to the artistic design and quality of their cigarette cards, ensuring that they were visually appealing and informative.
  • The cards often featured colorful illustrations and detailed descriptions or facts on the reverse side.

Cultural Impact and Decline:

  • Craven Black Cat cigarette cards enjoyed popularity among smokers and collectors during the early to mid-20th century, contributing to the broader phenomenon of cigarette card collecting.
  • However, as smoking rates declined and tobacco advertising faced increased regulation, the production and distribution of cigarette cards, including those by Carreras, began to decline.