Description

The History of the Set: A Practical Collection: This card belongs to the popular and highly functional 50-card master set titled "Household Hints." * The Numbered Series: Released in the mid-1920s (1927), this card is No. 5 in the series. This is significant for collectors because it represents a time when tobacco companies moved from purely decorative "beauties" to educational "how-to" guides for the modern home. Tobacconist Tradition: Like many early 20th-century trade cards, these were distributed in packs of Wills's Cigarettes, often collected and pasted into dedicated reference albums kept by the fireplace or in the workshop. The Subject: Bookbinding, 2. Craftsmanship Heritage: This card captures the intricate art of manual bookbinding, a staple of early 20th-century DIY before the era of mass-produced disposable paperbacks. Step-by-Step Instruction: The card provides a technical "pantomime" of the binding process, illustrating the use of a sewing frame and the specialized "catch-stitch" (E) used to secure book sections together. Global Utility: The visual diagrams (A through E) made these skills accessible to hobbyists across the British Empire, regardless of their level of formal training. Condition Notes Authentic Vintage Condition (Ungraded) Front: Features a detailed multi-paneled color illustration showing the sewing frame (A), tape positioning (B), and the delicate needlework (C, D, E) required for binding. Back: Contains the full instructional text and "Household Hints" branding, clearly marked as No. 5 in the series of 50. Wear: This card shows honest wear consistent with a century-old trade card, including softened corners and a natural aged patina. It remains a sturdy, well-preserved piece of social history. Why Add This to Your Collection? Industrial Arts Heritage: A genuine artifact from a time when "Household Hints" meant learning a lifelong trade or craft. Inter-War Ephemera: These cards offered practical education and a hobbyist's escape during the transformative years between the World Wars. Wills's Legacy: W.D. & H.O. Wills of Bristol & London were pioneers of the cigarette card, and this set is a cornerstone of their "Utility" series. Shipping & Handling: Your card will be treated with care, placed in a protective sleeve/top-loader, and shipped in a reinforced mailer via tracked shipping to ensure it arrives safely at its new home.