This card was issued by the John Player & Sons in Great Britain in 1931. Each
card was put in a pack of 10 cigarettes. On the back it says, "The Gordon, or
Black and Tan Setter, is a Scottish variety, heavier than the English and Irish
Setters. He was named after the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, who kept the breed
at Gordon Castle in the early part of last century. The Gordon Setter is a
splended dog in the field, showing great endurance, but as a show dog is hardly
so popular as the two other varieties. Colours: balck and tan, the latter on
the inside of the thighs, on the legs and the muzzle. Height: 24 in. Weight:
68 lb." These are rather hard to come by.
Gordon Setter Card 1(Players Dogs full Length, 1931)... $6.95 each
There is a fascinating addition to this one since Player & Sons put out a
second set that is a transfer so the writing is backwards. They were also
issued in 1931.
Gordon Setter Card 1(Players Dogs full Length, 1931)... $6.95 each
This lovely cigarette card is from a set of 25 cards issued by Cofton
Collections in 1988. It is from their third series and is No. 20 -- Gordon
Setter. It was produced in England. On the back is simply their name and
address.
Gordon Setter Card 2(Cofton Collection 3rd series reprint, 1988)... $4.95 each
This headstudy card was issued in 1965 by Amaran Tea, and they enclosed a card
in each carton of tea. On the back it says, "Gordon Setter. Also known as the
Black-and-Tan Setter, this dog is more heavily built than most Setters. The
head should be broad at the top, with the skull nicely rounded. The nose should
be moderately long, broad and free from snipiness. The Gordon is probably the
most handsome and most efficient of British gundogs, especially for work on the
moors."
Gordon Setter Card 3(Amaran Tea, 1965)... SOLD OUT
This headstudy card was produced by the John Player & Sons cigarette company
and intended to be issued about 1940. However a paper shortage due to the
outbreak of World War II prevented this. Luckily a number of the cards were
printed and made available to collectors. The cards were intended to be
inserted singly into packets of 10 cigarettes. The title of the set is: "Dogs'
Heads: A series of 50 from Paintings by Peter Biegel." On the back is printed,
"The Gordon Setter is a native of Scotland. It was known as the Black and Tan
Setter long before the Fourth Duke of Gordon developed and gave his name to the
breed in the early 19th century. As befitting the rough nature of the grouse
moors over which it works, the Gordon Setter is of heavier build than its
English and Irish conterparts, yet it is held to be equally fast and energetic.
At the first British Open Dog Show at Newcastle in 1859, a Gordon Setter was a
first prize-winner; nowadays comparatively few of the breed are exhibited. Its
colour, as its original name implies, should be black and rich chestnut
markings."
Gordon Setter Card 4(Players Dogs Heads, 1940)... SOLD OUT
This is an actual photo of a Gordon Setter, issued by Pattreiouex to be
inserted singly in their packets of Senior Service Cigarettes in 1939. On the
back it says, "Gordon Setter. The Gordon Setter is less excitable than the
English or Irish: otherwise similar. **General Hints.** Swimming: Never throw a
dog into the water "to teach him to swim". All dogs can swim, but if thrown
in he may acquire a distaste for water. Go out in a boat from a shelving shore,
or throw a dummy just out of the dog's depth, or call him across a canal -- let
him start himself, preferably with other dogs."
Gordon Setter Card 5(Pattreiouex Photographs, 1939)... SOLD OUT
This is also an actual photo of a Gordon Setter named Dalnaglar Pilot. It was
issued in 1938 by John Sinclair, Ltd at Newcastle-on-Tyne. On the back it says,
"Sire: Dalnaglar Hector. Dam: Dalnaglar Minnie. Born July 15th, 1934. Pilot was
first shown at Cruft's in 1936 when he got three Second Places and a Third, and
was in the winning brace with Champion Dalnaglar Peer. At Glasgow, the same
year, he won his first Challenge Certificate, and won the Gold Medal for the
Best Gordon Setter, and was Reserve the Best Gun Dog. At Cruft's, in 1937, he
won the Challenge Certificate, was Best Gordon Setter, and was one of the
winning brace and team. Owned by: Miss E.C. Sharp, Balmuir "
Gordon Setter Card 6(Sinclair Champion Dogs, 1938)... SOLD OUT
This lovely card was issued by John Player & Sons in 1925 as part of their
Scenic Background series. On the back it says, "Gordon or Black and Tan
Setters. This Scottish variety, which is heavier than the English and Irish
breeds, shows more of the Hound and less of the Spaniel. Originally known as
Gordon Setters, after the Duke of Gordon, the breed has since been improved by
the introduction of Irish blood. Although as fast, staunch and obedient as
other varieties, Black and Tan Setters appear to be more in demand on the
Continent as sporting dogs than in this country, possibily because British
sportsmen prefer whiter dogs which can be more easily seen. Height 24 ins."
Gordon Setter Card 7(Players Scenic, 1925)... $7.95 each
This card was put out by the British Automatic Company, Ltd. in 1953. It was
used in the scales where people paid a penny to see their weight which was
printed on these collectable cards.
Gordon Setter Card 8(British Automatic, 1953)... SOLD OUT
John Player & Sons originally produced this set in 1940, but the outbreak of
the War shortened its production so that those that are available are
prohibitively expensive. This one is a reprint that was produced in 1994. On
the back, it says, "Gordon Setter. A variety of black-and-tan Setters existed
for a long time before the breed was given its present name, which was derived
from Gordon Castle in Brannshire, the seat of the Duke of Gordon. The latter
was largely responsible for the development of the Gordon as we know it, and it
is said that a Collie bitch, in alliance with the old tricolour Setters, had
much to do with the creation of this variety. Even to-day, the breed is to be
found in greatest numbers in Scotland, where shooting men regularly use it for
work on the moors. It is also a popular sporting dog in Scandinavian
countries."
Gordon Setter Card 9(Players Dogs Heads Eire reprint, 1994)... SOLD OUT
This impressive card was issued by Godfrey Phillips, Ltd. in 1939 to be put in
packs with 20 cigarettes. It is from the "Our Dogs" series. On the back it
says, "The Gordon Setter. The Black and Tan Gordon Setter is the native bird
dog of Scotland. Its coat is wavy, dense and water-resisting."
Gordon Setter Card 10(Godfrey Phillips Our Dogs, 1939)... $14.95 each
This beautiful card was originally issued by W.D & H.O. Wills in 1914. There is
also an officially authorized reproduction produced by Victoria Gallery in
1987, still nearly 16 years old. They were inserted singly into packets of 20
cigarettes. On the back it says, "Black and Tan Setter. This famous sporting
dog, formerly know as the Gordon Setter, although larger and more strongly
built than the English Setter, does not possess the latter's endurance as a
field dog. He soon tires, and is undoubtedly
rather nervous, but excels in nose and all sportsmen
bear witness to his prowess when at work. In
colour he should be black and tan, white markings being
a defect. His coat is not as fine as that of his
English relative, and he is altogether a heavier-looking dog.
To be a good Setter a dog must be well trained,
obedient, have a perfect scent, and be naturally
addicted to the hunt of feather. In France, Belgium,
Norway, and especially in Russia, this handsome sporting
dog is a far greater favourite than it is in
Great Britian, both for work with the gun and
also s a companion." "
Gordon Setter Card 11(Wills Dogs A Series(ORIGINAL), 1914)... $24.95 each
Gordon Setter Card 11a(Wills Dogs A Series(Reproduction), 1987)... SOLD OUT
This incredible card was produced by John Player & Sons in a series of 25 from
paintings by Arthur Wardle. They were intended to be issued in about 1940,
however there was a paper shortage for these too and the outbreak of World War
II prevented their production. They wre supposed to be inserted singly into
packets of 20 cigarettes. Fortunately a number of the cards were printed and
made available to collectors. This card is nearly 50 years old and in
absolutely mint condition. On the back it says, "Whether accident or design
produced the Gordon Setter no one can say. Some attribute the origin to an
accidental mating between a black-and-tan Collie and one of the Duke of
Gordon's tricolour Setters, others to an Irish Setter and black Pointer cross,
and the introduction of Bloodhound blood. Whatever produced them, they were
bred and fostered at Gordon Castle in the early part of the last century and
were used entirely as gundogs until late in the same century, when they were
first exhibited. Of Scottish origin, the Gordon has not rivalled its Irish and
English kin in popularity, probably because its breedres were shooting men who
were content to breed dogs merely for their own use. Even to-day the variety is
in very few hands in this country. Scandinavian sportsmen, however, are very
fond of it, and possess some of the finest Gordon Setters in the world." This
is a rare and beautiful card should be the center of any collection.
Gordon Setter Card 12(Players Dogs Heads, 1940)... SOLD OUT
In 1936 and 1938, Gallaher, Ltd. produced two series of dog cards. This one is
from the second series. On the back it says, "Gordon Setter. In the past the
Gordon Setter has been much neglected in England, but the breed is well to the
fore again now. In contrast to the beautiful, but somewhat temperamental Irish
Setters from which they are believed to be descended, they incline towards the
spaniel in type and have very sound natures. They are speedy workers in the
field, and perform splendidly when trained to the gun. Their colour is
invariably black and tan."
Gordon Setter Card 13(Gallaher 2nd series, 1938)... $9.95 each
This wonderful card was issued in 1939 by Godfrey Phillips, Ltd. in a series
called "Our Dogs". On the back it says, "The Gordon Setter. The Black and Tan
Gordon Setter is the native bird dog of Scotland. The coat is wavy with a good
undercoat, dense and water-resisting -- ears small and well set."
Gordon Setter Card 14(Godfrey Phillips Our Dogs, 1939)... SOLD OUT
This is one of the most unusual and nicest cards that we have ever offered. It
was produced in 1902 by Church and Dwight in the US and Canada, and it came in
the box of Dwight Soda. It is now 105 years old. The front has a wonderful satin
feel with a linen texture. It is slightly larger than most of the other cards
offered here. On the back it has important reasons for using soda and in
particular, Dwight Soda. It also says, "Gordon Setter. Champion "Beaumont". One
of the oldest of the Setter breed and is supposed to have been originally bred
by the Duke of Gordon, Scotland. He is a slightly coarser dog than the English
or Irish cousins and approximately slower, but with exquisite scenting power."
This card is nearly impossible to find.
Gordon Setter Card 15(Dwight Soda, 1902)... SOLD OUT
Ogdens cigarettes issued this series of cards in
1936 and enclosed them in their cigarette packages
singly. This lovely example was card number 27.
Hignett put out an identical set of cards and enclosed them
in Hignett cigarettes in the same year.
On the back of each card it says, "The Gordon is thought to be
indiginous to Scotland, and took its name from the
Duke of Richmond and Gordon, who had a large kennel at
Gordon Castle early in the last century. Its exact
origin is unknown, but probably Irish Setters,
black Field spaniels,and Pointers helped its
evolution in the early days. There is, however, one
theory that an accidental mating between a black-and-tan
Collie and a tricolour Setter produced it. Though
this variety is not very popular in England, it is
more widely kept in scotland, and is highly
regarded in some Scandivavian countries."
Gordon Setter Card 16(Hignett Cigarettes, 1936)top... $19.95 each
Gordon Setter Card 17(Ogden Cigarettes, 1936)bottom... $19.95 each
In 1924, Player's put out their first Dog Series with only 12 breeds
represented. Gordon Setters was one of those lucky breeds. The cards were larger
than any of those later produced and were put in packs of 20 cigarettes instead
of the usual 10. This set went in the Player's Navy Cut cigarettes. On the back
it says, "Gordon or Black and Tan Setters. This Scottish variety, which is
heavier than the English and Irish breeds, shows more of the Hound and less of
the Spaniel. Originally known as Gordon Setters, after the Duke of Gordon,
the breed has since been improved by the introduction of Irish blood.
Although as fast, staunch, and obedient as other varieties, Black and Tan Setters
appear to be more in demand on the Continent as sporting dogs than in this
country, possibly because British sportsmen prefer whiter dogs which can be
more easily seen. The coat of the Gordon Setter is extremely fine and silky,
yet fairly well adapted for keeping out the cold, and he is moreover a robustly
constituted animal. His eyes are lustrous, intelligent, and full; ears set
low, and close to the upper neck; the neck is fairly long, and not throaty;
tail rather short and scimitarlike, and nicely feathered. Height about
24 inches. Weight about 70 lbs."
Gordon Setter Card 18(Players Scenic, 1924)... $24.95 each
Another set of Players cards, the one on the left, issued in 1940, was from a
series of 25 cards. It was issued much later than the one on the right, and it
is an exact duplicate of the right card in a smaller edition. The card on the right
was first issued in 1928. The printing on the back of these two cards is the same
as shown on the back of the above card no. 18.
Gordon Setter Card 19(Players Dogs Heads, 1940)left... $14.95 each
Gordon Setter Card 20(Players Dogs Heads, 1928)right... $19.95 each
This photograph is from a series of 200 photos issued in 1902
The cards were enclosed in OGDEN'S TAB CIGARETTES. The photo is of Sir
George Bullough's Gordon setter "Rum Captain", first and championship,
Birmingham Dog Show, Dec. 1901.
Gordon Setter Card 21(Ogden's Tab Cigarettes, 1902)... $24.95 each
"Premiere trading cards are made for use in vending machines manufactured
exclusively by the Oak Manufacturing Company, Inc., Culver City, California."
They were issued in 1950. The following is printed on the back of the card:
"The Gordon Setter originated in Scotland and is named after the Duke of Gordon.
He is often referred to as the Black and Tan Setter. This breed is one of the
least known in America. This is odd, too, because the Gordon Setter is a
well bred dog with a notable historical background and with his glossy black
coat and rich mahogany tan presents an attractive color scheme. He is
almost invariably a one-man dog. He's recognized primarily for his exceptional
ability as a bird dog. He seeks and requires affection and companionship
and returns them in full measure."
Gordon Setter Card 22(Premier Trading Card Oak Mfg. Co., 1950)... $24.95 each
Weeties-Tailwaggers-Australia cards were issued in 1940. There were 64 cards
in the set and enclosed in the cereals, Crispies and Vitabrits. The Gordon Setter is card no. 14. The following is shown on
the back of the card: "A native bird-dog of Scotland whose ancestry can be
traced back to before the battle of Waterloo(1815), the Gordon Setter is
often colored black and tan with white. He is famed for his working qualities,
and is a heavy looking dog with a beautiful head and spaniel-like ears, strong
legs and feet, and a wealth of coat and feather. * DON'T CHAIN your
dog up unnecessarily. If you must tie him up adopt the running line method.
He pines on the chain."
Gordon Setter Card 25(Weeties Tail-Waggers Australia, 1940)... $39.95 each
Origin unknown. We have been unable to acquire another card therefore, this is a
rare card for your collection. The back of the card has the following:
"DOGS" A series of 25 No. 18 GORDON OR BLACK AND TAN SETTER
"The coat of the Gordon Setter is extremely fine and silky, yet fairly well
adapted for keeping out cold. Its eyes are lustrous, intelligent and full.
This Scottish variety is heavier than the English and Irish breeds, and
shows more of the Hound and less of the Spaniel."
Gordon Setter Card 26(Origin Unknown)... $39.95 each
Gordon Setter
Post Cards
Gordon Setter Post Card 1... $9.95 each
Gordon Setter Post Card 2... $9.95 each
IRISH AND GORDON SETTERS THOMAS BLINKES (1860 1912)
Oil on canvas: 36 x 46 cm.
By courtesy of the Ivor and Joan Weiss Gallery, Kelvedon, Essex
Printed on the back of the card is the following:
"Blinkes made a name as a painter of sporting and
animal paintings, especially hunting scenes. He
exhibited extensively including 29 work at the Royal Academy.
In addition to London galleries he exhibited at the
Royal Society of Arts in Birmingham, the Walker
Art Gallery in Liverpool and at the Manchester
City Art Gallery. The substantial prices Paid
for his paintings in the 1880's show the extent
of his popularity in his own time."
Gordon Setter Post Card 3... $10.95 each
Gordon Setter Post Card 4... $9.95 each
Gordon Setter Post Card 5... $9.95 each
Gordon Setter
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 Gordon Setter history.
* We can take visa/mc/disc or paypal, but they are first come first served,
so let me know if you are interested.
* We do have discounts if you want to buy more than one.
* We have a couple of copies of some of these cards, and since they are much more
fun when you have a "set", we would be happy to give a discount for multiple
purchases. This can make a set of interesting breed cards quite reasonable.
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 stamps at very
reasonable prices -- some can be had for under a dollar. 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
