Mastiff
Tobacco, Tea and Playing Cards
Mastiffs are such an interesting group of dogs! Since there are so many nice
stamps and cards, I am splitting them into four pages. You can find the others
here:
I know that some of these are specific breeds and others, espeically the art
work of old, will be more of a "type" of dog. They are all beautiful in their
own way.
This wonderful personality shot is a card isued by Carreras Ltd. in 1936. The
cards were inserted singly into packets of 10 cigarettes. The title of the set
is: "Dogs and Friend: A Series Described by Lady Kitty Ritson. On the back, it
says, "The Mastiff is probably the oldest breed in existence, as it existed in
Babylon and Assyria. The Romans found some when they came to England, and
mention of the breed continues all through the Middle Ages. To prevent them
rom killing deer, they were lamed in those days, having their toes cut off.
Later on they were used for crossing with Newfoundlands to improve the latter
breed. They are extremely handsome dogs, but rather too big for the average
household."
Mastiff Card 2(Carreras Dogs and Friend, 1936)... $5.95 each
This stylistic card was issued by Cofton Collections in 1988. It is called
"Dogs 2nd Series of 1963 On the back, it simply names the breed, Mastiff, and an ad
for their company, Crofton Collections
Mastiff Card 3(Cofton Collections 2nd series reprint, 1988)... $5.95 each
This is not a cigarette card, but instead was issued by the Amaran Tea Company
in 1965. The title of the set is "Dogs Heads" and one was inserted in each
packet of tea. On the back, it says,"The Mastiff is renowned as an excellent
watch dog. His name is derived from the old English "mase theefe" which means
"fear of the thief". In spite of his great size and strength, he does not
attack indiscriminately and has a most reliable temper. The head is heavily
wrinkled giving a rather thoughtful appearance. The small eyes are set wide
apart."
Mastiff Card 4(Amaran Tea, 1965)... $5.95 each
These cards were inserted in packets of Senior Service Cigarettes. These are real
photo's by pattreioux issued in 1939. On the back,
it says, "MASTIFF PUPPIES: The mastiff is a very ancient breed. Originally he,
and the bull dog (or 'Launt') were separate breeds in England, and in
Elizabeth's day they were both called 'Bandogges'. GENERAL HINTS: Training
for Traffic (1). A dog which must always be on a lead is a nuisance, but, off
a lead, if untrained, he will get run over. First, take him out on a lead made
of six yards of cord, and let him run without straining on the cord; if he
tries to go off the pavement jerk him back sharply and scold him."
Mastiff Card 6(Pattreiouex Photographs, 1939)... $5.95 each
The original set of these cards was printed by W.D. & H.O. Wills in 1940, but
never issued, because of the paper shortage from World War II. As a result, the
original cards are very scarce and sell for over $400.00 each. This reprint is
an officially authorized reproduction by Imperial Publishing in 1990. The title
of the set is: "Puppies". The puppies are drawn by Luch Dawson. On the back, it
says, "'Driver' and 'Wendy' (Mastiffs) What a lot of wrinkles, and what smudgy
faces - and how they greet you, these round and cuddly Mastiff puppies,
tumbling over each other to be first! When once on their backs, they remind me
of beetles - they have to stop there until help arrives; but they soon get the
right way up."
Mastiff Card 7(Wills Puppies by Dawson reissue, 1990)... $5.95 each
MASTIFF "The origin of the Mastiff is lost in antiguity. It is
thought that dogs of this type were known in Britain before the advent of
Christianity. In medleval times the Forest Laws decreed that Mastiffs should
have three claws of their forefeet cut off, in order to prevent the poaching
of deer. Mastiffs have been used as baiters of bulls,bears and lions,
especially during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and as recently as 1825 a
circus lion was matched against six Mastiffs at Worcester. Despite its
size and its early uses, the breed is not ferocious, and is quite tractable
and goodnatured if properly trained and handled in puppy-hood."
German Shepherd Card 8(Players Dogs Heads Eire reproduction, 1994)... $5.95 each
This card was issued in 1938 by John Sinclair Ltd. at Newcastle-on-Tyne. This
is from a set entitled "Champion Dogs -- A Series of Real Photos." On the back,
it says, "Mastiff. Kinder Monarch. Although born in 1931, Kinder Monarch was
not shown until 1936. During the first year he won sixty prizes: these included
three Firsts at Birmingham National Show as well as a Challenge Certificate. At
Cruft's Coronation Show he won three Firsts and a Challenge Certificate. At
Stourbridge he collected three Challenge Cups."
Mastiff Card 10(Sinclair Champion Dogs, 1938)... $6.95 each
Mastiff. Players cigarettes issued these body poses and
inserted them in small packages (10 cigarettes) of cigarettes in
1931. The artist is Arthur Wardle and the following is printed
on the back of the card: "The Old English Mastiff is one of the very oldest breeds
in this country. The Romans when they invaded these islands found in the
possession of the natives a powerful race of dogs, and from these the Mastiff
is descended. He is large, massive, powerful and symmetrical in build-a
combination of grandeur, good nature, courage and docility. The Mastiff has
a broad, square head; he should possess great bone and muscle, with wide chest;
his coat is short and close-lying, the colours being apricot, or silver fawn
and dark fawn brindle. Height at shoulder 30 in. Weight: 150 lb."
Mastiff Card 11(Players Dogs full length, 1931)... $6.95 each
Mastiffs. This lovely painting of the two Mastiffs is also
done by artist Wardle and issued by Players in 1925. Shown on
the back of the Card: "The Romans, when they invaded these Islands, found the
natives possessed of a powerful race of dogs from which the Old English
Mastiff is descended. Many of the dogs were taken back to Rome to take part
in the sports of the Amphitheatre. The laws of Henry II provided for farmers,
etc., to keep Mastiffs for the defence of their homes. The Mastiff is a
large, massive powerful, symmetrical dog-a combination of grandeur, good
nature, courage and docility. Colour apricot or silver fawn and dark
brindle. Height at shoulder 30 ins. Weight 150 lbs."
Mastiff Card 12(Players Scenic, 1925)... $7.95 each
This card is of the Tibetan Mastiff by artist Mabel Gear and issued
by Gallaher Tobacco, in their second series of 48, in 1938. Printed
on the back of the card: "In all parts of Asia dogs are kept primarily
as guardians of property. The tendency therefore is to breed large
powerful animals of which the Tibetan Matiff is an excellent example.
Asiatic in temperament and appearance, he is of square and massive
build, the impressiveness of which is increased by his thick hair.
An unusual characteristic is the eyes, which are set on the slant.
As yet the breed is not very common in England."
Mastiff Card 14(Gallaher Dogs 2nd Series, 1938)... $9.95 each
This card was issued by Godfrey Phillips Lid. in 1939, to be inserted singly
into packs of 20 cigarettes. The set is titled: "Our Dogs". On the back, it
says, "A massive, powerful creature, the Mastiff is a combination of grandeur
and docility."
Mastiff Card 16(Godfrey Phillips OUR DOGS, 1939)... $14.95 each
THE MASTIFF A smaller version of the card above also
by Godfrey Phillips and issued in 1939. Printed on the back:
"Although in the same class as the St.Bernard and the
Newfoundland. the Mastiff is a distinct breed. He is a large
massive powerful creature, a combination of grandeur and docility"
Mastiff Card 17(Godfrey Phillips OUR DOGS, 1939)... $14.95 each
MASTIFF Hignett cigarettes put out these lovely paintings
in 1936. The following is shown on the back of the card:
"Dogs similar to the Mastiff can be traced to the ancient
Britons, and to the Molossian dogs of the early Greeks. These early British
dogs were used as war dogs and in hunting; later the breed became a guard of
cattle and property. In the days of Elizabeth, Mastiffs were used to bait
bears, bulls and lions, of which "sport" Her Majesty was very fond. One of
the oldest strains in England was kept at Lyme Hall, Cheshire; the Dukes of
Devonshire also had a famous strain."
Mastiff Card 18(Hignett Dogs, 1936)... $19.95 each
This card was also issued by W.D. & H.O. Wills in 1914. They were inserted singly into packs of 20
cigarettes. On the back, it says, "These large and powerfully built dogs are
chiefly used as watch-dogs or companions, being very devoted to their owners,
and of a most impressive appearance. The head of a good Mastiff should be
decidedly large and massive, the forehead well wrinkled, and the skull broad
and flat. The muzzle should be rather short, cut off square, and the ears
smooth, thin and pendent. Neck muscular, and chest deep. Strong and straight
legs are an ablsolute necessity to a prize dog, and the tail should be long.
The usual colours are brindle and fawn. The average height of a Mastiff is
about 30 inches, and it weighs from 150 to 175 lbs."
Mastiff Card 20(Wills Dogs A Series ORIGINAL, 1914)... $24.95 each
ENGLISH MASTIFF. Edwards, Ringer and Bigg issued these
wonderful cards in 1908, 99 years ago. The title of the
series of 23 cards is 'Dog Series-Klondyke. Shown on the reverse:
"The oldest breed connected with this country.
Much out of favour for some time in consequence of deterioration of general
form through fanciers breeding for grand head qualities and ignoring rest
of body. You can see good heads, but sunken backs, narrow chests, and
muscleless thighs. The body should be massive and powerful. head large
and of a square appearance from any view. Used as a guardian or companion.
Weight from 150 to 175 lbs."
Mastiff Card 21(Ringers Klondyke, 1908)... $24.95 each
ENGLISH MASTIFF. There were 50 in the series 'Fowls Pigeons
and Dogs' issued by Ogdens Tobacco in 1904 four years
before the above Ringers card. It has the same inscription on the back:
"The oldest breed connected with this country. Much out of favour for
some time in consequence of deterioration of general form through
fanciers breeding for grand head qualities and ignoring rest
of body. You can see good heads, but sunken backs, narrow chests, and
muscleless thighs. The body should be massive and powerful. head large
and of a square appearance from any view. Used as a guardian or companion.
Weight from 150 to 175 lbs."
Mastiff Card 22(Ogdens Fowls Pigeons and Dogs, 1904)... $24.95 each
MASTIFF. Moustafa Tobacco issued these great paintings
by artist Leo Chambers in 1924. The reverse side: "The mastiff is similar to the bulldog, inasmuch as he
is characterised by a muzzle very short and broad. His looks belie him, and
his robust form, which tells of his enormous strength, does not indicate his
very even temper. He will stand any amount of teasing from kiddies he knows,
but a stranger had better not take too many liberties. Feed on Spratt's
Dog Cakes and 'Rodnim.'"
Mastiff Card 23(Moustafa Leo Chambers Dogs Heads, 1924)... $24.95 each
MASTIFF 'Tailwaggers-Australia' was a set of 64
cards issued by Weeties Cereal and enclosed in Weeties, Crispies and
Vitabrits in 1940. Shown on the back: "From earliest times valued as
an efficient watch, the Mastiff is mentioned in the Forest Laws of
King Canute, where he was used for guarding cattle and killing wolves.
His characteristics are; square head, slightly raised brows, short
muzzle, broad under eyes, small ears (thin totouch), small eyes
(wide apart), slightly arched neck, wide and deep chest,
Straight, strong forlegs set wide apart, broad hindquarters.
*
DO make sure that your dog is exercised regularly every day. You will enjoy
this as much as he does."
Mastiff Card 25(Tailwaggers Australia, 1940)... $24.95 each
Mastiff Card 27(German Tobacco Austria, 1952)... SOLD OUT
Every breed deserves something really special and this is it for the
Mastiffs. This is a silk that was issued in 1910 by American Tobacco.
They are incredibly hard to maintain, so finding one after 90+ years
is quite an accomplishment. There is frayng on the two ends as you
can see. It is protected in a hard plastic cover to save it from
any further wear. It should be the center of any card collection.
One only.
Mastiff Card 28(American Tobacco SILK, 1910)... $59.95 each
Mastiff Envelope
This is an envelope with a Neopolitan Mastiff as the main attraction issued by
Bulgaria in 1997. the postmark has the head study of a Chihuahua.
A unique piece to add to your collection. This is a 1 only item.
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.
Mastiff Envelope from Bulgaria... $9.95 each
Mastiff Playing Card
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 Mastiff history.
Mastiff Playing Card 1... $4.95 each
Mastiff Playing Card 2... $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 Mastiff in it is the Ten of Spades.
Mastiff Playing Card 3... $6.95 each
Mastiff Playing Card 4... $4.95 each
Neapolitan Mastiff Character: "The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large
imposing dog, usually depicted wearing a spiked collar. It is an excellent
guard, but is reputed to have a docile and friendly temperament, being
unlikely to attack except on command. Coat: The coat is short,
smooth and glossy. Though small white markings are permissible on the chest
and feet, the usual colours are blue-grey, black, brindle or mahogany.
Size: 49.9-68kg Country Origin: Italy.
Mastiff Playing Card 5... $6.95 each
