*British, c.1908–1915, B.D.V. Cigarettes Silk Collection – 14 Vintage Silk Inserts – Military Regiments, City Arms, Flags, Tartan & Decorative Subjects*
An attractive and varied collection of 14 original early 20th century B.D.V. Cigarettes silk inserts, dating to the Edwardian and pre-First World War era, issued as promotional premiums inside packets of British Domestic Vacuum (B.D.V.) Cigarettes, produced by Godfrey Phillips. Printed in colour onto lightweight satin-weave silk, these highly collectable inserts formed part of one of Britain's most successful tobacco advertising campaigns and were designed to encourage collecting and repeat purchases. Many surviving examples were later sewn into quilts, table runners, cushions and decorative household textiles, making complete untouched groups increasingly desirable today.
This mixed lot comprises examples from several distinct B.D.V. series and includes military insignia, civic heraldry, national flags, tartan designs and decorative art subjects.
The collection consists of:
1. The Cheshire Regiment – 22nd Foot (No. 58)
2. The Border Regiment – 34th & 55th Foot (No. 62)
3. 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers) (No. 49)
4. The Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry – 43rd & 52nd Foot (No. 31)
5. 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers (No. 75)
6. 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers duplicate example (No. 75)
7. MacArthur Tartan (No. 37)
8. City Arms – Gloucester (Series 30)
9. City Arms – Wells (Series 30)
10. City Arms – Winchester (Series 30)
11. City Arms – Dundee (Series 30)
12. Belgian National Flag
13. St George's Cross Flag (No. 151)
14.Ceramic Art Vase (No. 8)
Particularly desirable within the group are the military regiment examples featuring historic British Army formations and pre-1881 regiment designations, including the 22nd Foot Cheshire Regiment, 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers) and 5th Royal Irish Lancers, all displaying detailed period insignia and regimental emblems. The civic heraldry examples form part of B.D.V.'s sought-after City Arms Series 30, while the tartan, flag and decorative subjects demonstrate the remarkable breadth of themes produced by the company.
These silks were originally intended as inexpensive collectables yet became a significant social phenomenon of the Edwardian period, with families often accumulating large numbers to create patchwork household items. Surviving groups remain an evocative reminder of early advertising, collecting culture and pre-war British domestic life.
History Note:
B.D.V. cigarette silks were issued primarily between approximately 1908–1915, with numerous themed series produced covering military subjects, world flags, heraldry, flowers, ceramics, tartans and international subjects. Unlike traditional cigarette cards printed on board, these examples were printed directly onto silk fabric, creating colourful miniature textile artworks. Military series are especially collected today due to their detailed depiction of historic British regiments and cavalry units.
*Condition*
Generally good aged condition for fragile silk cigarette inserts of this period, showing expected age-related staining, discolouration, frayed edges, loose threads, corner losses, folds and handling wear throughout. Some examples display heavier toning and edge wear than others, and duplicate examples are present within the lot. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMAEXCO_8341241641
