Description

Item Description & History This original 1938 cigarette card was issued by W.A. & A.C. Churchman (a branch of the Imperial Tobacco Co.) as part of a 48-card set titled "Air-Raid Precautions" (A.R.P.). The History: In 1938, the British government was deeply concerned about the threat of gas attacks and aerial bombings. To educate a largely smoking public, they collaborated with tobacco companies to include instructional cards in cigarette packs. This specific card, #35 "Supply Depot for Respirators," illustrates the massive scale of the civilian defense effort. It depicts the regional depots where gas masks (respirators) were stored and inspected before being issued to the public—an effort that saw over 30 million masks distributed across the UK. Condition Notes This card has been professionally authenticated and graded by PSA as a 2 (Good). Front: Features a vibrant, multi-color lithograph. As per the grade, there is noticeable corner rounding and light surface wear consistent with an 85-year-old trade card. Back: Features the "Home Issue" grey text. It provides a detailed description of London’s regional supply depots and the logistics of housing 30,000 to 40,000 respirators per center. Holder: The PSA slab is clear and secure, protecting the card from further environmental wear. Why Buy This Card? WWII Collectible: A tangible artifact of pre-war civil defense. Low Population: While the set is famous, PSA-graded examples of this specific card are scarce. Educational: A perfect addition for history buffs, military collectors, or non-sport tobacco card enthusiasts. Shipping & Handling: Your card will be shipped securely in a bubble mailer via USPS Ground Advantage to ensure the PSA case arrives scratch-free and intact.