W.D. & H.O. Wills: Patience twin deck - 1933

A truly special and rare twin deck of Patience cards in immaculate condition, produced exclusively by W.D. & H.O. Wills in 1933. Packs like this were originally given as gifts after people were able to collect sets of mini cigarette cards. 

Tobacco companies have been including insert cards since the 1870s, making collecting cigarette cards a popular hobby then and still for some today. Initially, these cards served as "stiffeners" in packs to protect the cigarettes. However, they quickly became a way to advertise cigarettes and other products. In 1933, WD & HO Wills, a founding company of the Imperial Tobacco Company, expanded this concept by offering a promotion where collectors could exchange complete miniature playing card packs for other desirable card items.

This example is still in its original delivery cardboard box with a little rule book containing 24 card games.

Absolutely outstanding condition with original hinged cloth bound case, rules and posting box. Grade 1+ under the Hoyles Vintage Grading System.