Description

The History of the Set: A Naturalist’s Collection: This card belongs to the beautifully illustrated 50-card master set titled "Animals of the Countryside," issued by John Player & Sons in 1939. The Pre-War Era: Released just before the onset of WWII, this set served as an educational guide to British wildlife, capturing the natural heritage of the UK during a transformative period. Adhesive Backing: Like many late-1930s Player's issues, this card was printed with a special adhesive backing. Collectors were encouraged to buy a dedicated album for "One Penny" to house the complete series. The Subject: Whiskered Bats (Myotis mystacinus) Diminutive Species: The card describes this bat as being nearly as small as the Common Bat, with a total body length not much over 3 inches. Unique Features: It is named for the characteristic hairy upper lip and features distinctive notched outer margins on its ears. Habitat & Behavior: Unlike many other bats, the Whiskered Bat is not gregarious and is known to fly occasionally in daylight, though it typically spends the day in old buildings or caves. Condition Notes Authentic Vintage Condition (Ungraded) Front: Features a detailed color illustration showing two Whiskered Bats—one hanging from a branch and one perched. The artwork remains clear and the colors are well-preserved for a card of this vintage. Back: Contains a full scientific and behavioral description of the species, clearly marked as No. 9 in the series. Wear: This card shows honest wear consistent with an 85-year-old trade card, including slightly rounded corners and minor surface aging. The adhesive surface on the reverse remains intact and has not been used. Why Add This to Your Collection? Natural History Heritage: A genuine artifact from the final "Golden Age" of cigarette cards, documenting British fauna with scientific precision. Iconic Brand: John Player & Sons (a branch of the Imperial Tobacco Co.) were the industry leaders in high-quality educational trade cards. Niche Subject: Perfect for collectors of mammalogy, bat-related ephemera, or 1930s British history. Shipping & Handling: Your card will be treated with care. It will be secured in a protective toploader and shipped in a reinforced bubble mailer via tracked shipping to ensure it arrives in the exact condition described.