Description

The History of the Set: Educational Heritage: This card belongs to the informative 50-card master set titled "English Period Costumes," released by W.D. & H.O. Wills in 1927. Historical Chronology: This series provides a visual history of English fashion, beginning with the 12th Century and progressing through the centuries to chronicle the evolution of British style. Tobacconist Tradition: These were issued in packs of Wills's Cigarettes, intended to be collected and protected in specialized albums by hobbyists in the late 1920s. The Subject: A Lady, 12th Century Post-Conquest Fashion: This card illustrates the costume trends shortly after the Norman Conquest, noting that much of the old Saxon simplicity still remained during this era. Distinctive Features: The 12th-century gown began to fit the figure more closely with tightly laced bodices and sleeves of a different color than the gown itself. Practical Design: Famous for their length, the lappets (long decorative strips) from the wrists often exceeded a yard in length and had to be knotted to keep them out of the mud. Condition Notes Authentic Vintage Condition (Ungraded) Front: Features a vibrant color illustration of a 12th-century noblewoman standing by a castle balcony overlooking the sea. Back: Contains a detailed historical description of the era’s fashion and is clearly marked as No. 1 in the series. Wear: This card shows honest wear consistent with a 100-year-old trade card, including softened corners and natural surface aging. Why Add This to Your Collection? Series Cornerstone: As Card #1, this is the essential starting point for any collector of the English Period Costumes set. Inter-War Ephemera: A genuine artifact from the 1920s, reflecting the era's interest in historical education and high-quality lithographic printing. Social History: A fascinating look at the sartorial standards of 12th-century England as interpreted by 1920s historians. Shipping & Handling: Your card will be treated with professional care. It will be secured in a protective toploader and shipped in a reinforced bubble mailer via tracked shipping to ensure it arrives safely.