Wills "Dogs", issued in 1937 were enclosed in Wild Woodbine
Cigarettes. The following is printed on the back of the card:
"The dog the Russian Czars used for wolf-hunting.
Head long and lean; skull slightly domed and narrow with no
depression between eyes; direction of bones and principal veins
should be apparent. Mouth level with long, powerful jaws.
Nose black. Eyes dark and placed well back. Ears small and fine.
Neck strong and muscular. Chest very deep. Shoulders sloping.
Forelegs straight with long feet; toes close together and well
arched. Loin arched and strong. Stifles and hocks well bent.
Tail long, well feathered and carried low. Colour: usually
white with fawn, grey, blue, brindle, lemon or black markings;
self-colours are also found."
Borzoi Card 1(Wills, 1937)... $4.95 each
Player "Dogs-Scenic-Background", were issued in 1925.
The following is shown on the back of the card: "The Borzoi, or Russian Wolf-hound,
before the great war was very popular
in Russia--the land of its origin,
various members of the Russian Royal
family and nobility were keeping
extensive hunting kennels of the breed.
The Borzoi is one of the most beautiful
of the canine race, combining strength,
symmetry and grace. He carries a longish
silky coat, the pre-dominating colour
being white, with or without fawn,
lemon, grey, brindle, blue or black markings.
Weight dogs 100 lbs., bitches 85 lbs.
Height at shoulder 29 to 32 ins."
Borzoi Card 2(Players Scenic, 1925)... $7.95 each
Gallaher issued these lovely "Dogs A Series" in 1936.
The following is shown on the back of the card: "The Borzoi,
one of the most beautiful of all breeds, is probably related
to the Greyhound though far more striking in appearance.
In the days before the War it was noted for its skill in wolf
hunting, packs of these dogs being kept for this purpose by the
Russian Imperial Court. The famous "Bransgore" strain now bred
in England actually comes from the original Russian stock. The
breed has been favoured by the English Royal Family, both Queen
Victoria and Queen Alexandra having kept Borzois."
Borzoi Card 3(Gallaher, 1936)... $9.95 each
Players issued this set of cards titled "Dogs Heads(Eire)-Reprint of 1940"
in 1993. This is an authorized reproduction by
Imperial Publishing, of the original in 1940.
The following is printed on the back of the card:
"The Borzoi belongs to the same group of dogs as the
English and Eastern Greyhounds, and in its native
country, Russia, it provided sport for the aristrocracy
as a courser of wolves. Interest in this breed was
aroused in Britain when the Duchess of Newcastle
imported several specimens from the kennel belonging
to the Czar, who kept a large pack. The most famous
Russian strain, however, was that owned by the
Grand Duke Nicholas, of Perchina near Moscow, and
many English dogs are descendants of Perchina
importations. The Russian Revolution put an end
to Borzoi breeding in that country, although a few
descendants still survive.
Borzoi Card 4(Players reprint of 1940, 1993)... $5.95 each
Hornimans Tea issued this set of 48 cards(Borzoi #5 in the set)
in 1961. A single card was enclosed in each 1/4 lb. packet of
tea. The cards were photographed by C. M. Cooke.
There is no mention of the dogs identity. The following
is printed on the back of the card: "This dog,
which was originally known as the Russian Wolfhound,
has been used in Russia since the early 17th century
to course wolves.
Originally introduced to that country in short-coated
form from Arabia and and later found necessary to
cross with Collie type to provide weather-proof
jacket. Chief requirements may be summed up
in four words: size, speed, strength and symmetry.
Stands 30 inches high, with muscular quarters, very
deep body, graceful outline and long silky coat.
Borzoi Card 5(Hornimans Tea, 1961)... $4.95 each
Cofton Collections "Dogs 1st Series-Reprint of 1963",
were issued in 1988. There were three series issued with twenty-five cards
each. The back of the card has the address of Cofton Collections
along with a very brief description of the various and sundry
items sold by Cofton.
Borzoi Card 7(Cofton Reprint of 1963, 1988)... $4.95 each
Carrreras issued "Dogs & Friend" in 1936. Described on back of
the card by Lady Kitty Ritson. "The Borzoi was used in Russia,
its home, for hunting wolves. Two were slipped at a time and
they raced one on each side of the wolf, but even so, it was
generally necessary for the huntsman to finish the wolf off
with his dagger. Queen Alexandra made the breed popular, for
she was devoted to a dog called Ajax, and he was frequently
shown and won a great many prizes. They are not very safe with
small dogs, as their instinct is to chase anything which runs."
Borzoi Card 8(Carreras, 1936)... $4.95 each
John Sinclair issued these "Champion Dogs"
in 1938. They are a series of 54 real photos(Borzoi #53).
Shown in the picture is CH. MYTHE MAZEPPA
Printing on the back of the card gives the history of the
Champion shown on the face of the card. Sire: Gornarsay of Addlestone. Dam: Mythe Moya Born: Aug. 28th, 1931
"Is the winner of numerous First Prizes and five
Challenge Certificates. Is the celebrated sire of
a big number of winners already, including two full
Champions and several other Certificate winners. Owned and Bred by: Miss E. M. Robinson,
Rushton, nr Taunton."
Borzoi Card 9(Sinclair, Champion Dogs, 1938)... SOLD OUT
Pattreiouex issued this set of 48 cards in 1939.
They were enclosed singly in packages of Senior
Service Cigarettes. They are actual photos but the
Borzois shown are not identified. The following is
printed on the back of the card: "The Borzoi runs
to beauty more than brains. He is the Russian
wolfhound and was much used for this purpose in pre-war Russia.
GENERAL HINTS
ASSOCIATION OF IDEAS. Dogs do not normally reason why--they
associate ideas. The quickest and best results in
training are achieved by double association--food
and praise when near master, unpleasant jerks when
more than a couple of yards away (associated with
the command 'close'). This system can be applied to
teaching a dog to do almost anything."
Borzoi Card 10(Pattreiouex, 1939)... $5.95 each
Players issued this set of 50 cards titled "Dogs Heads by
Biegel" in l940. The Borzoi is card #4 in the series. The
following is printed on the back of the card: "The Borzoi
introduced into this country in 1875, was first shown at Cruits
in 1892, where its aristocratic bearing and splended appearance
created a big impression. It is sometimes called the Russian
Wolfhound, and it was as a wolf hunter that it found popularity
in the Imperial Court of Russia. Today it is an established
favourite on the show bench, for it is regarded by many as the
most beautiful of all dogs. Like the Afghan Hound and the
Saluki, the Borzoi belongs to the Greyhound group of dogs.
Its ground colour is white, and markings may be biscuit, fawn,
tan or black."
Borzoi Card 11(Players, 1940)... $7.95 each
Amaran Tea issued this series titled "Dogs Heads" in 1965.
Printing on the back of card is as follows: "The Borzoi is
perhaps the most beautiful of all the Greyhound family and is
of very ancient origin, being once used for wolf coursing. The
neck should be long and fine with a curved "Roman" nose and the
eyes very dark and not prominent. The ears are small, set well
on top of the head and have plenty of movement."
Borzoi Card 13(Amaran Tea, 1965)... $4.95 each
This set of photos is made in Italy in 1993 by Service Line of
Modena, Italy. The title of the set is shown on the
back of the card, "Dogs & Cats".
The Borzoi is not identified.
Borzoi Card 14(Service Line, Modena, Italy, 1993)... SOLD OUT
"OUR DOGS"
Phillips issued "Our Dogs" on the left in 1939. It was designed for
inclusion in packs of 20 cigarettes. The back of the card has
a brief description: "This dog is used for wolf-coursing in
Russia on account of its great speed. It is a very beautiful
and affectionate creature."
The one on the right was also issued in 1939 but was intended for
inclusion in packets of 10 cigarettes.
The picture is the same as the other, however the back
of the card is as follows: "This dog is retiring and
nervous, but is rather an affectionate creature.
It is very beautiful and has longish dry curly hair,
and is used for wolf-coursing in Russia on account
of its great speed."
Borzoi Card 15(Phillips, 1939)left... $14.95 each
Borzoi Card 16(Phillips, 1939)right... SOLD OUT
This photograph is from "Pedigree Dogs" issued by
Golden Fleece Australia in 1972. It was called
a 'swap card'. There were 36 cards in the complete set each
with a description of a breed of dog.
The following description along with the Champions
name and the owner, is shown on the back of the card:
"Another name for the Borzoi is Russian Wolfhound.
Being a "sight" hound it sees its prey from a
distance rather than scenting it out and can pursue
it at very high speed. The dog came from Russia where
it ws owned mainly by rich people to hunt wolves,
hares and deer. A very beautiful animal, the
Borzoi makes an ideal show dog. It is also a favourite dog
for use in films and fashion pictures. illust. Aust. Ch. "Imperialst of Woodcourt" (Imp U.K.) Owner:Mr. L. V. Rowse, Vic.
Borzoi Card 17(Golden Fleece, Australia, 1972)... SOLD OUT
This lovely drawing is from a set of 50 cards issued
by Hignett Cigarettes titled simply "Dogs", in 1936.
On the back it says,
"One of the most aristocratic of all the hounds,
the Borzoi was introduced to this country during
the last century. In Russia, its native country,
the breed was used as a courser of wolves, and the
kennels of the Czar housed a very fine strain.
Some of these kennels were imported into England,
where the breed has enjoyed some degree of popularity,
especially among the aristocracy. Among the first
owners of Borzois in England were Her late Majesty
Queen Alexandra, and the Duchess of Newcastle, who
nowadays is a leading Fox Terrier authority".
Borzoi Card 20(Hignett, 1936)... SOLD OUT
This is an interesting painting, with neat a atmosphere,
of a "Leo ChambersDOGS HEADS" issued
in 1924 by Moustafa Ltd. There are 40 cards in
the set with the Borzoi being #7. The back of the card is
rather ornate with the following in blue print:
"This is a sporting dog and an excellent companion.
He should have a long tapering head, strong jaws,
large teeth, small ears, long arched neck, plenty
of muscle on the thighs, long tail and plenty of
heart room. This dog, like the greyhound, hunts
by sight and not, as is usual with dogs, by smell.
Feed on Spratt's Dog Cakes and "Rodnim."
Borzoi Card 21(Moustafa, 1924)... $24.95 each
This is an authorized reproduction by Imperial
Publishing. Wills issued this "Puppies by Dawson-
Reprint of 1940, in 1990. The cards are a series
of 40 with the Borzoi #31. The following, printed
on the back of the card is a description by the
artist Lucy Dawson:
"Here was a most elegant young man who posed as
if to the manner born--one felt that a formal
introduction was necessary, and no doubt "Ruff"
felt the same. I should have liked to have had
an opportunity of knowing this puppy better.
We only met once, but fell in love at first sight."
Borzoi Card 22(Puppies by Dawson reprint 1940, 1990)... $5.95 each
Wills cigarettes issued this series titled "Dogs A series" in
1914. The back of the card describes the Borzoi as follows:
"This most graceful and elegant dog has of late years made
great headway in public favour both in Great Britain and also
in the United States. Combining stength with beauty, his
lovely silky coat, long slender head and perfect symmetry make
him an object of admiration wherever he is seen. In his native
land he is employed to hunt the wolf, fox, and hare. Queen
Alexandra received from the Czar of Russia a leash of these
stately hounds, one of which was the famous champion, Alex.
Borzoi puppies are as a rule exceedingly nervous, and it
requires great patience to train them to the collar and lead.
In temperament the Borzoi is affectionate, devoted, is a good
companion, and makes a capital house-dog."
Original issued in 1914 -- Authorized Reproduction by Victoria Gallery- Reprint of 1914,
issued in 1987
Borzoi Card 23(Wills, original 1914)... $24.95 each
Borzoi Card 23(Wills, reprint 1987)... $5.95 each
The card above was intended to be issued by
John Player & Sons about 1940, but a paper shortage
due to the outbreak of World War II prevented this.
Fortunately, a number of the cards were printed and
made available to collectors. The cards were intended
to be inserted singly into packets of 20 cigarettes.
The title of the set is "Dogs Heads (Eire)". The
series of 25 beautiful paintings are by Arthur Wardle.
The following is printed on the back of the card:
"This breed has not been seriously used in England as
a sporting dog, but in Russia, before the overthrow
of the aristocracy, it was the most highly-prized
of all breeds by reason of the sport it provided as
a courser of wolves. The Czars and many Russian
nobles maintained large kennels and organized hunts
on a big scale. The most famous of these
kennels was that owned by the Grand Duke Nicholas,
at Perchina, near Moscow, and the best of the early
importations into this country belonged to this strain.
The present Duchess of Newcastle was the first to
import Borzois in any numbers and may be said to
have founded the breed in England. Queen Alexandra
furthered the breed's popularity here by exhibiting a
Borzoi (given to her by the Czar) which became an
English Champion".
Borzoi Card 25(John Players, 1940)... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Playing Cards
Sorry, we don't have any complete sets of playing cards. These were
from collections of antique cards and there is no way of knowing how
old they are or where one might find more of them. They are certainly
a part of Borzoi history.
Borzoi Playing Card 1(left)... $5.95 each
The left card is from Holland and the right card is from Japan. This deck of cards was produced in Japan several years ago. There
are several breeds in the deck and each breed is sold as a single
card separately. The Borzoi in it is the Queen of Spades.
Borzoi Playing Card 2(left)... $5.95 each
Borzoi Playing Card 3(right)... SOLD OUT
Notice that the card on the right is the same image as the new stamp from
Koriakia.
Borzoi Playing Card 4(left)... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Playing Card 5(right)... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Playing Card 6 top/left... $4.95 each
Borzoi Playing Card 7 top/right... $4.95 each
Borzoi Playing Card 8 bottom/left... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Playing Card 9 bottom/right... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Playing Card 10 left... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Playing Card 11 middle... $4.95 each
Borzoi Playing Card 12 right... $4.95 each
Borzoi Playing Card 13... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Post Cards
Borzoi Post Card 1... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Post Card 2... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Post Card 3... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Envelopes
ONE ONLY - An envelope from Bulgaria with several dogs shown on the
front. Why these six particular dogs were chosen was not defined but
it is a one of a kind and a must for your collection.
The Bulgars, A Central Asian Turkic Tribe, merged with the local slavic
inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first Bulgarian state.
In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with the Byzantine Empire
to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the end of the 14th century
the country was overrun by the Ottoman Turks. Bulgaria regained its
independence in 1878, but having fought on the losing side in both
World Wars, it fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became
a Peoples Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990. The
country is slightly larger than Tennessee. The capital is Sofia.
Borzoi Envelope from Bulgaria... SOLD OUT
An envelope from Russia with an artists rendition of the awesome Borzoi.
A must for the Borzoi collector.
Borzoi Envelope from Russia... $6.95 each
Borzoi Bookmark
Borzoi Bookmark... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Match Box Covers
Borzoi Match Box Cover 1 (left)... $9.95 each
Borzoi Match Box Cover 2 (right)... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Cigar Bands - Small (bottom left and right)... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Cigar Bands - Medium (3 colors shown on left side)... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Cigar Bands - (Large-salmon and white on right side)... SOLD OUT
Borzoi Cigar Bands - (Extra-Large-top)... SOLD OUT
* We can take visa/mc/disc or paypal, but they are first come first served,
so let me know if you are interested.
* Truly one of the cheapest unique treats for yourself or a friend (great for
club trophies as well!)
* It is absolutely true that you will often find some of these cards at very
reasonable prices. On the other hand, if
you add in the gas, hours, and hassles that it has taken to find them, you may
find it easier to just get them from us while we have them :*) I don't always
count on getting more in the near future. I get them when I can find them and
the stock is not always constant.
* I do have other breeds available. Let me know and perhaps I can do a page for
your breed.
~*~ Francie Stull ~*~
729 Mercer Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101
Toll free (800) 658-6699, (270) 777-0744
