Golden Retriever Index
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Golden Retriever
Tobacco, Tea and Playing Cards

Golden Retriever are blessed with some of the nicest cards and stamps available for any breed.
To check out the Golden Retriever Stamps from Around the World, click here.

Barbers Tea issued this card in their packages of Tea in 1961 with the following printing on the back: "The dog was first bred on the estate of the late Lord Tweedmouth about 1850. A troupe of performing dogs that had been brought from Caucasus were purchased by Lord Tweedmouth, taken to Scotland and trained as gun dogs. To increase their scenting powers Bloodhound blood was introduced, though traces of this cross are now rarely seen. The popularity of the Golden Retriever is mainly as a show dog, but because of its very soft mouth it is said that the breed should be worked more frequently. It has a height of about 23 inches and weighs 65-70 lbs., bitches 55-60 lbs."
Golden Retriever Card 1(Barber Tea, 1961)... $4.95 each

This card is No. 12 in a series of 48 that were enclosed in all 1/4 lb. packets of Hornimans Tea and was issued in 1961. A description as follows is on the back of the card; "Over 100 years ago Lord Tweedsmouth, visiting a circus in Brighton, was so impressed by a clever troop of dogs that he bought the lot. They were believed to be memnbers of a Russian race of sheepdogs and from them was developed the Golden Retriever. Powerful muscular dogs, any shade of gold or cream but never red or mahogany. The coat flat or wavy, with good feathering."
Golden Retriever Card 2(Horniman Tea, 1961)... $4.95 each

These cards were issued by the British Automatic Co. Ltd. in 1953. Cards were purchased for 1 cent from a weighing machine. On the front of the card is an artists drawing of a dog, while on the back of the card there is a date stamp and weight is showing in stones X lbs.
(1 stone= 14 lbs.)
Golden Retriever Card 3(British Automatic, 1953)... SOLD OUT

This card is from a series of 50 by W.D. & H.O. Wills issued in 1937 titled simply "Dogs". These cards were enclosed in Wild Woodbine Cigarettes and had the following description on the back of the card. "An excellent working gundog. Head broad in skull, clean, muscular neck, powerful muzzle; defined depression between eyes, kindly expression. Small ears, nose black. Flat or wavy coated, undercoat dense and water-resisting. Round cat like feet, straight forelegs, good bone. Hind legs strong and muscular, well-bent stifle; hocks well let down. Tail should be straight, not curled at tip or carried over back. Body well-balanced, compact and deep through the heart. Loins strong. Shoulders well laid back and long in blade. Colour; rich golden (not as dark as Irish Setters) or cream colour."
Golden Retriever Card 4(Wills Dogs, 1937)... $4.95 each

This card is No. 8 in a series of 24 titled "I Spy Dogs" issued by Priory Tea in 1957. The back of the card has the following small inscription; "A handsome dog, his thick coat--usually of a light golden colour."
Golden Retriever Card 5(Priory Tea, 1957)... $4.95 each

This card is No. 22 in a series of 25 by Cofton Collections and issued in 1988 titled "Dogs 1st Series-Reprint of 1963".
Golden Retriever Card 7(Cofton Collections 1st series reprint, 1988)... $4.95 each

This card is No. 23 in a series of 25 titled "Dogs Heads" by Amaran Tea issued in 1965. A picture card was enclosed in every carton of Amaran Tea. The following description is printed on the back of the card. "This Retriever has all the virtues of a good gun-dog such as speed, willingness to learn, fine sense of smell and a soft mouth. The head should be broad in the skull and well set on a clean muscular neck. The muzzle should be powerful and wide, eyes set wide apart and dark, ears small and well set on. The nose is usually black but may be lighter."
Golden Retriever Card 8(Amaran Tea, 1965)... $4.95 each

The GOLDEN RETRIEVER
This beautiful photo is No. 48 in a series of 50 described by LADY KITTY RITSON and issued by Carreras Ltd. in 1936. The series is titled "Dogs & Friend". "The most interesting thing about the Golden Retriever of today is the fact that its ancestors are supposed to have come from Russia, although other authorities assert that their home was Central Asia. If this is really the case, they belong to the sheep-dog rather than to the gun-dog. There is supposed to be a bloodhound cross in them. At any rate they are amongst the most attractive of dogs, although some people find them rather "soft." They have particularly beautiful eyes, and they are specially good companions."
Golden Retriever Card 9(Carreras Dogs and Friend, 1936)... $4.95 each

This certainly is a different type of picture. These photographed cards were put out by a company in Modena, Italy in 1993. The dog is not identified and there is nothing but the title of the series on the back of the card: "DOGS & CATS"
Golden Retriever Card 10(Service Line Modena Italy, 1993)... $4.95 each

This photo is by Pattreiouex "Dogs" issued in 1939 and came enclosed in Senior Service Cigarettes. "The Golden Retriever is very easily trained and is an excellent dog for a man who shoots occasionally and wants a companion.

GENERAL HINTS
RETRIEVING (2). It is not desirable to use a ball for retrieving lessons; the ball should be the dog's own toy with which he can play at any time either with Master joining in, or by himself. Dummies should be old gloves or other such objects. They should be soft and the dog must not be allowed to chew or play with them."
Golden Retriever Card 12(Pattreiouex Photograph, 1939)... $5.95 each

This lovely painting by artist Arthur Wardle was issued by John Player & Sons under the title "Dogs by Wardle-Full length" in 1931. The following is printed on the back of the card; "Shortly after the Crimean War a number of dogs of this handsome breed were found performing in a circus at Brighton. They were purchased and transferred to Inverness, where they took to the work of retrieving game as if they had been accustomed to it all their lives. When first introduced they were known as Yellow Russian Retrievers. By careful choice and elimination, breeders got rid of the bad coats and other faults, and evolved one of the most popular breeds of shooting dogs. Colours: rich golden (not as dark as that of an Irish Red Setter) or cream colour. Height 22 in. Weight 65 lb."
Golden Retriever Card 13(Players full length, 1931)... $6.95 each

CH. HEYDOWN GUIDER.
Sire: Ch. Heydown Grip.
Dam: Heydown Bertha.
Born: Jan. 27th 1933.
John Sinclair, Ltd. issued this card in 1938 titled "Champion Dogs" and is No. 3 in a series of real photos. The Champion Dog is described in detail on the back of the card. "These dogs are excellent gun dogs, and are very attractive. Ch. Heydown Guider has won 10 awards for his work at Field Trials, and several prizes and Certificates of Merit. He won the 100 Guineas Gold Cup at Cruft's this year for the best-looking Field Trial Winner, and three Silver Cups for work and looks. His recent wins include three Challenge Certificates and six Reserve Best of Sex."

Owned by: The Hon. Mrs. D. Carnegie. Petersfield, Hants.
Golden Retriever Card 14(Sinclair Champion Dogs, 1938)... $6.95 each

Nice painting by Peter Biegel and issued by Players in 1940 titled "Dogs Heads by Biegel". The following is printed on the back of the card. "It was the first Lord Tweedmouth who was responsible in the mid-nineteenth century for the introduction of one of our most handsome and efficient gun-dogs--the Golden Retriever. Some breeders have since introduced Setter and Bloodhound blood into the breed, but the true Tweedmouth strain is free from outside influence. Although the Golden Retriever was exhibited in 1908, it was not until 1911 that its Club was formed and the breed registered by name. In addition to its popularity with sportsmen, its golden coat and graceful symmetry recommend it to those who like a combination of beauty and usefulness in their dog."
Golden Retriever Card 15(Players Dogs Heads, 1940)... $7.95 each

Famous artist Arthur Wardle painted this series of dogs heads and Players issued the series in 1993 titled "Dogs Heads (Eire)- Reprint 0f 1940". This card issued in 1993 is an authorized reproduction of the original that was issued in 1940.The following is printed on the back of the card. "A widely-accepted theory of the origin of the Golden Retriever is that it sprang from a groupe of performing Russian dogs which the Hon. Dudley Marjoribanks (later Lord Tweedmouth) purchased from their trainer at a Brighton circus just after the Crimean War. Another theory is that the breed originated from yellow puppies which appeared in the litters of the cold black wavy-coated Retrievers. The breed is now enjoying its greatest popularity and of the Retriever varieties ranks second to the Labrador as the most numerous on the bench and in the field. It is a fine-looking breed and is fortunate in that its leading devotees are as interested in working their dogs as in showing them."
Golden Retriever Card 17(Players Dogs Heads Eire reprint, 1993)... $5.95 each

This card was issued by Gallaher and titled "Dogs 2nd Series" in 1938. Following is a description as shown on the back of the card: The Labrador is an old breed of Retriever, believed to be descended from Lesser Newfoundlands and Black Pointers. They were formerly entirely black, but yellow puppies continually appeared in easily rival the blacks on the show bench. Labradors are splendid water dogs, possessed of excellent scenting powers, strongly built and very active. The coat is short and very thick, but not wavy.
Golden Retriever Card 18(Gallaher Dogs 2nd series, 1938)... $9.95 each

This Gallaher card is No. 40 in a series of 48 titled "Dogs A series" issued in 1936. The description on the back of the card is as follows: "The Golden Retriever is very similar to the Labrador and exhibits the same virtues, but it is a more recent gun-dog type. It is highly intelligent and can be easily trained to its natural work of retrieving and carrying: the mouth and lightness of hold are such that a dog will pick up and carry a bird with out even marking or damaging the most delicate plumage. This breed was probably evolved from the Newfoundland or Mastiff, though it is smaller than either."
Golden Retriever Card 19(Gallaher Dogs A series, 1936)... $9.95 each

This card comes from a series of 25 titled Ardath "Champion Dogs" issued in 1934. These cards were enclosed in ARDATH cork and STATE EXPRESS 333 cigarettes. The back of the card as shown below gives the description of the show dog for the era. The front is a painting(artist unknown) of the champion named.
Golden Retriever Card 20(Ardath Champion Dogs, 1934)... $9.95 each

The 25 paintings for this series were specially executed by Angela Mulliner and form a unique collection. They were issued by Players "Top Dogs-Grandee" in 1979. The description on the back of the card is as follows: "For many years the story went that the Golden was bred from a troupe of Russian Circus dogs. This myth was finally exploded in 1952 when the First Lord Tweedsmouth's diaries were published. They told how the Golden started from a yellow dog bred from a Wavy Coated Retriever with various crosses of Tweedwater Spaniel, Irish Setter and a Bloodhound. The result is the handsome gold or cream dog of today. Active but powerful, with a kind expression and flat shining coat the "Goldie" makes an attractive companion. As workers they are nearly as popular as the Labrador and many winning show dogs can, and do put up excellent performance in the shooting field. As companion dogs they are large enough to warn off intruders but gentle with children. Trainable dogs which enjoy carrying home the shopping bag as much as retrieving pheasants. Weight 60-80 lbs. Height 20-24 inches."
Golden Retriever Card 21(Players Top Dogs Grandee, 1979)... $9.95 each

This lovely head study is by Godfrey Phillips, Ltd. titled "Our Dogs" and issued in 1939. The description on the back is as follows: "These dogs are very handsome creatures and are becoming quite experts at Field Trials. They are steady and persevering workers, but somewhat on the slow side."
Golden Retriever Card 23(Godfrey Phillips Our Dogs, 1939)... $14.95 each

This colorful card is NO. 29 in a series of 30 issued by Epol South Africa "Dog Pictures", in 1974. The back has a small description. "A willing and intelligent dog, standing about 60 cm high and weighing 29-31 kg. All shades of gold and cream are permissible for its colour, but not red."
Golden Retriever Card 24(EPOL South Africa Pet Food, 1974)... $12.95 each

This card was enclosed in Gallaher's Deluxe Cigarettes and was the No. 1 card in a series of 24 issued in 1934. Golden Retriever card
from England

The description following appears on the back of the card. "There are two or three varieties of the Retriever on the show bench to-day--the flat-coated, the smooth-coated and curly-coated, now very seldom seen. The name denotes the work to which these dogs are put. They are taken out with the sportsmen when shooting, and are particularly useful in discovering wounded game which has run away to hide itself, and dead game which has fallen into such positions that it is not easily discovered. The dog illustrated is one of the big winners on the show bench during 1933, and is owned by Mr. H. L. Jenner."
Golden Retriever Card 25(Gallaher Champion Dogs, 1934)... $14.95 each

Godfrey Phillips issued "Our Dogs" in 1939. "These dogs are very handsome creatures and are becoming quite experts at Field Trails. They are steady and persevering workers, but somewhat on the slow side."
Golden Retriever Card 26(Godfrey Phillips Our Dogs, 1939)... $14.95 each

Card No. 22 in a series of 50 was issued in 1936 by Hignett Bros. and titled simply "Dogs". The description on the back of the card is as follows: "The Golden Retriever was introduced into this country by the late Lord Tweedmouth (then the Hon. Dudley Marjoribanks), and was originally known as the Yellow Russian Retriever. He built up a strain known as Marjoribanks and Ilchester Trackers by crossing some pure-bred performing dogs from Russia with the Bloodhound. Some of the early dogs were very pale in colour, but the breed Club's standard of points now prefers rich golden, the very pale and very dark being objectionable."
Golden Retriever Card 28(Hignett cigarettes, 1936)... $19.95 each

Weeties "Favourite Dogs -- New Zealand" was issued in 1940 and was No. 16 of 32 cards. The following is printed on the back of the card: "The Golden Retriever is very popular as a gun dog. He is noted for his extreme natural cleanliness and as a worker, his extremely light mouth. His ancestors were native of the Caucasus, where they were used as sheep dogs. Massive in build, with magnificent head and most benign expressions, these dogs possess great character, but are gentle in temperament.

DO remember that your dog is a most intelligent animal. He likes to be talked to. He loves companionship."
Golden Retriever Card 29(Weeties Favourite Dogs New Zealand, 1940)... $24.95 each

Golden Retriever Baseball Cards

Golden Retriever Ball Card 1... $4.95 each

Golden Retriever Ball Card 2... $4.95 each

Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever history.

Golden Retriever Playing Card 1... $3.95 each

Golden Retriever Playing Card 2... $3.95 each

Golden Retriever Playing Card 3... $4.95 each

Golden Retriever Playing Card 4 and 5... $5.95 each PAIR

Golden Retriever Playing Card 6... $4.95 each

This pair of cards is so darling. On the left are the puppies and on the right is a portrait of what those kids grew up to look like.
Golden Retriever Playing Card 7... $6.95 each PAIR

Golden Retriever Playing Card 8... $3.95 each

Golden Retriever Playing Card 9... $3.95 each

Golden Retriever Playing Card 10(left King of Clubs)... $4.95 each

Golden Retriever Playing Card 11(Middle Four of Clubs)... $4.95 each

Golden Retriever Playing Card 12(Right Ace of Hearts)... $4.95 each

Golden Retriever Playing Card 13... $4.95 each

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 Golden Retriever in it is the two of diamonds.
Golden Retriever Playing Card 14... $5.95 each

Golden Retriever Match Box Covers

Golden Retriever Match Box Cover
from England

Golden Retriever Match Box Cover... $9.95 each

Golden Retriever Post Cards

Golden Retriever Post Card 1... $9.95 each

Golden Retriever Post Card 2... $9.95 each

Golden Retriever Post Card 3... $9.95 each

Golden Retriever Phone Cards

No Minutes on these phone cards but a definite must for the Golden Retrieer collector.
Golden Retriever Phone Card 1... $4.95 each

Golden Retriever Phone Card 2... $4.95 each

Golden Retriever Cigar Bands

This is actually a cigar band made to be wrapped around Willem II cigars. I think it is one of the best head studies of a Golden Retriever that I have ever seen on a cigar band.
Golden Retriever Cigar Band 1... $9.95 each

Golden Retriever Cigar Band 2... $7.95 each

Golden Retriever Cigar Band 3... $7.95 each

Golden Retriever Cigar Band 4... $7.95 each

* 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

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Golden Retriever Tobacco, Tea and Playing Cards

Golden Retriever
Tobacco, Tea and Playing Cards