These cards were issued by The British Automatic Company Ltd. in 1953. There
were three different series of 32 cards each. This card came from the first series.
The cards were obtained from weighing machines for the cost of one penny. The
fronts of the cards have an artist-drawn picture of a dog. The machine stamped
the date and the person's weight (in stones and pounds, 1 stone = 14 pounds) on
the back of the card.
Poodle Card 1(British Automatic, 1953)... SOLD OUT
This lovely card was issued by a company called Service Line in Modena, Italy
in 1996. There is nothing printed on the back of the card except the title
of the series "Dogs & Cats".
Poodle Card 2(Service Line Modena Italy, 1996)... $4.95 each
Another wonderful card put out by service Line in Modena, Italy. These cards
are photographs but the subjects are not identified.
Poodle Card 3(Service Line Modena Italy, 1996)... $4.95 each
Bassett Candy Company issued this set of cards. They are titled 'Popular
Dogs', put out in 1967. The following is shown on the back of the card:
THE TOY POODLE "There are three different sizes of poodles,
standard, miniature, and toy. The Toy Poodle is active and elegant
looking, with dark, almond shaped eyes. These dogs can be easily
trained and need regular grooming for an attractive appearance.
The height of a toy poodle should not exceed 11 inches as measured
at the shoulder."
Poodle Card 4(Bassett Candy, 1967)... SOLD OUT
Wills put this set of 50 cards in 1937 and enclosed them in packages of
Wild Woodbine Cigarettes. Shown on the back of the card:
POODLE "A dog whose effeminate appearance belies his
strength, courage and sporting abilities. Head long, straight
and fine. Muzzle long and strong with level mouth, black gums
and lips. Eyes oval, very alive and intelligent. Nose black.
Ears long and wide and set on low. Shoulders muscular and sloping.
Chest deep and fairly wide. Back short with broad, strong loins
and well-sprung ribs. Feet rather small and oval in shape.
Forelegs straight and well boned. Hind legs muscular and well bent
at hocks. Colour: various self colours. Cordeds have coats of
long, rope-like hair. Curlies have shorter coats of close tight
curls. Miniatures are a small variety and must not stand more
than 15 inches at shoulder."
Poodle Card 5(Wills Dogs, 1937)... $5.95 each
Carreras issued these 'Dogs & Friend' in 1936. There are 50 various breeds
in the set of 50 cards all shown with a child. The back of the card has
the following:
'Described by LADY KITTY RITSON' The Poodle "The Poodle has
just lately come into a position of great prominence owing to its
brilliant work in Obedience classes, which are now a feature of
most shows. It beats most Alsatians at their own game, particularly
when it is a question of the ordinary "Obedience" work. Poodles
can be miniature or ordinary sized. Although they are nearly always
clipped, it is not necessary to do so, as they can be left with
their coats in a natural condition. They are supposed to be very
good at hunting for truffles".
Poodle Card 6(Carreras Dogs and Friend, 1936)... $5.95 each
This is not a Tobacco card but a Tea card. The cards were issued in 1961
and were enclosed in all 1/4 packets of Hornimans Tea. Printed on the
reverse side:
MINIATURE POODLE "Thought to have been in existence for
some hundreds of years but only really popular since the war.
Their larger cousins were gun dogs in France and Miniatures were
presumbly bred down from them. Now undisputedly Britain's most
popular dog. Active, elegant looking, with dark almound-shaped
eyes and long ears. Body compact and tail, complete with pompon,
set on and carried high. Colours black, white, brown, blue,
silver and apricot".
Poodle Card 7(Hornimans Tea, 1961)... $5.95 each
This card is from the 1st series of the Cofton collections. There were
three series issued, each with 25 cards in 1963. The back of the cards
gives the address and has a short advertisement for the collectibles
and accessories sold by the company.
Poodle Card 8(Cofton Collections 1st series reprint, 1988)... $5.95 each
Another Modena, Italy card. The Poodle seems to be well respresented by
the service Line company. Again the subject is not identified.
Poodle Card 9(Service Line Modena Italy, 1996)... $4.95 each
Another Bassett Candy issue. They are always beautiful renditions of
the breed and colorful. Issued in 1967, the following is shown on the back:
THE MINIATURE POODLE "They were first introduced in the
19th Century and are the most popular for pets because they are
easily trained and can be kept indoors, Particularly suitable
for poeple with flats, etc. For dog shows they require skilled
grooming for best results."
Poodle Card 10(Bassett Candy, 1967)... SOLD OUT
Another tea card, this time from Priory Tea in 1957. The card was used as a part
of a game called 'I Spy'. The cards were completed
on the back and sent back to the tea company for prizes. The back has the
following:
Miniature Poodle "An intelligent dog. His dense coat,
often trimmed in various styles.
Poodle Card 11(Priory Tea, 1957)... $5.95 each
This is also a tea card and was issued by two different tea companies in 1965, Amaran Tea
and G.P. Tea. As were the others they were enclosed in the tea packages.
The description on the back of the cards is identical:
MINIATURE POODLE
"Contrary to popular belief, the Poodle makes an excellent
retriever and game dog. In France it was once used for finding
truffles. As a pet the Poodle is lively, affectionate and
obedient. The head should be long, not too narrow and rather
domed. Eyes are oval, medium in size, dark and lustrous. Ears
are set low, hanging to sides of face."
Poodle Card 12(Amaran Tea, 1965)... $5.95 each
Poodle Card 12x(G.P.Tea)... $5.95 each
The photographer Pattreiouex produced this lovely photo (subjects not
identified) in 1939 and they were enclosed singly into Senior service
Cigarettes. There are 48 cards of various breeds included in the set.
Printed on the back is the following:
POODLES "The poodle is a very ancient breed, first imported into
England as a gundog; later others came as pets.
GENERAL HINTS FEEDING THE PUP(2). The more varied the
diet the better, but sweets should be avoided. Fruit is good for
all dogs, and specially necessary for town dogs. Train your pup to
eat it. At bed time, after the last meal, leave some food which
the pup does not much care for (e.g. a stale crust of brown bread)
in case he gets hungry at 5 or 6 a.m."
Poodle Card 13(Pattreiouex Photographs, 1939)... $5.95 each
The Molassine Co. produced this series of 'Dogs at Work' in 1970 and enclosed
them in packages of Vims-Pet Foods.On the reverse:
POODLE (truffle Dog) "Truffle are a special kind of
mushroom found and cultivated chiefy in parts of France. The
roots of certain trees notably pines and nut trees and the white
and queen oak are the birthplace of truffles. Parasites infect
the roots and produce the truffles which bears a special scent
attractive to dogs, especially the Poodle. The Poodle is best
used for digging down to the delicacy as he doesn't like the
taste of the truffle."
Poodle Card 14(Molassine Dogs at Work, 1970)... $5.95 each
This series of 24 cards was put out by yet another tea company, Barbers Tea in 1961.
The following is shown on the back of the card:
POODLE (Miniature)
"A remarkable progress has been made by this variety of poodle
in recent years and today it is even more popular than the standard
sized poodle, as an exhibition dog. It was first shown in fashion
by the Italian artist Pinturiccio in 1490. The colour is white,
black, red, brown and blue with the coat profuse, or unclipped.
The height of the dog is 15 inches and its weight 12-15 lbs."
Poodle Card 16(Barber Tea, 1961)... $5.95 each
John Sinclair issued this set of 'Champion Dogs', real photos in
1938. There were 54 photos in the set with the Poodle shown no. 2.
A description of the Champion is shown on the back of the card:
POODLE. CH. STILLINGTON JEREMIE. Sire; Stillington
Christmas. Dam; Harpendale Lady Laline. Born.
May 6th 1932.
Four times Champion. Winner of Cruft's Great International Brace
Class. Has also won many prizes, including "The International
Poodle Club Cup for the Best-Coated Dog." Has been three times
Best Dog in Show. Has the very long super-coat of intense
black, so much desired in a Champion. Owned by:
Mrs. Murray Wilson, Horsham.
Poodle Card 18(Sinclair Champion Dogs, 1938)... $6.95 each
These Golden Fleece Australian 'Swap Cards' were issued under the title
of 'Pedigree Dogs' in 1972 and lovely photo's they are. A description
shown on the back follows:
POODLE The Poodle comes in three sizes,
Standard, Miniature and Toy and is said to be one of the most
intelligent of all breeds. For many years the Poodle was
the National dog of France but Poodle really came from Germany.
Once a sporting dog, the Poodle has today become a popular house pet.
His beautiful long coat lends itself to clipping in many designs,
which make him a favourite ladies' dog. Illust.; Aust.
Ch. "Vibodo Sam Small" Owners; Mesdames
Huntley & Sharp, Vic.
Poodle Card 20(Golden Fleece Australia, 1972)... $7.95 each
A nice headstudy by artist Peter Biegel and issued by Players cigarettes
in 1940. There was a paper shortage in the war years and these cards are
hard to come by. Fewer were printed than in later years. On the reverse:
POODLE "The appearance of the Poodle is sometimes subjected
to ridicule, but its bizarre mode of clipping has its orgin in the
days when the dog was used to retrieve game from water. Its long
coat was found to hamper it when swimming, and those parts not
vital to its warmth were cut off. Although there are several
ways of shaping its coat, the Lion clip with variations is the
one generally adopted. The Poodle is extremely intelligent,
quick-witted, and possessed of remarkable powers of scent, which
led to its use as a locator of truffle (edible fungi which grow
underground). In this country two classes are recognised: the
Standard and the Miniature."
Poodle Card 21(Players Dogs Heads, 1940)... $7.95 each
This lovely painting comes from a set of 25 cards from the Grandee
collection titled Top Dogs Collection issued in 1979. This card is no. 16 issued in 1979.
There are two Poodles in this collection. (see card below) The back
of this card:
THE MINIATURE POODLE "This is the "in between" Poodle--not
so large as the Standard but larger than the Toy. The standard
of points are the same for the other two varieties of Poodle.
The Miniatures are gay, elegant little dogs with a free, light
action and they come in all the usual Poodle colours, i.e. any
solid colour. Poodle can often be seen in the circus ring and
they seem to really enjoy performing various tricks. They are
intelligent, alert dogs affectionate and active minded. They are
easily trained and many have done very well against the larger
breeds in Obedience Classes. The coat, although non-shedding, is
profuse and needs regular clipping to keep it neat and tidy. It
also requires grooming between clips to keep it free from mats.
The Lion clip is the usual show clip but there are a variety of
simpler clips for pet dogs. Height under 15 inches but not under
11 inches."
Poodle Card 22(Players Top Dogs Grandee, 1979)... $9.95 each
Another Grandee Top Dogs Collection. This is card no. 6 in
the series. (see above for another Poodle selection) Shown on the
reverse side:
THE TOY POODLE "This tiny bundle of energy is built on
exactly the same lines as the larger Poodle, the only difference
being size. First shown at Crufts as a separate variety in 1958
the Toy has been around for many years and can be seen depicted
in paintings at least two hundred years old. Some years ago the
breed went through a bad patch when too many were indiscriminately
bred and nervous and physical faults were common. Breeders have
now overcome this and the modern Toy Poodle is a jaunty little dog
with a zest for life. Great showmen, to see one of these tinies
in the huge Best in Show Ring at Crufts, immaculately clipped and
completely self possessed is quite a sight. They have a
non-shedding coat but need regular clipping. Usually shown in the
lion clip but most pet poodles are kept in a Lamb or Dutch clip.
The Lamb clip has short curls all over and the Dutch has a clipped
body with baggy trousers. Height under 11 inches."
Poodle Card 23(Players Top Dogs Grandee, 1979)... $9.95 each
Gallahers issued this set of cards in 1938. A very nice painting but the
artist is not identified. The description on the back follows:
THE FRENCH POODLE "The French Poodle, with its halfshorn
appearance, has for many years been a target for fun, being
frequently seen in the circus ring with a clown, who makes the dog
his "butt". It is very intelligent and can be trained to do almost
anything, and at some Dog Shows where demonstration of obedience
and intelligence are given, it has beaten some of the finest of
other breeds in the country. There are four colours among the
exhibition dogs, namely, fawn, white, brown and black, the white
being the most rare."
Poodle Card 24(Gallaher Dogs 2nd Series, 1938)... $9.95 each
EPOL, a South African Pet Food company, issued this set of cards, 30 in all,
in 1974. A description on the back is in English and Dutch.
MINIATURE POODLE "Originated in Europe and related to
the water spaniel. It was a sporting dog used for retrieving from
water. Highly intelligent and used a great deal in circuses.
Poodle can be any solid colour. Height 27-38 cm."
Poodle Card 25(EPOL South Africa Pet Food Co.,1974)... $12.95 each
Premier trading cards were made for use in vending machines manufactured
exclusively by the Oak Mfg. co. of California. This great photograph was
issued by Oak Mfg. Co. in 1950. Shown on the back:
POODLE "The Poodle is one of the most intelligent of
canine race. There is something more human than canine about
most Poodles and this quality makes them unique among dogs, and
enchanting as companions. The orgin of the Poodle is a
mystery although supposed by many to have originated in Germany.
The expression "French" Poodle was adopted because of the breed's
great popularity in France. Next to soundness and intelligence
the most necessary attribute of the Poodle is style. The fashion
of clipping has sometimes been called artificial, but it is an
ancient tradition, practical, and certain to continue."
Poodle Card 26(Premier Trading Cards, Oak Mfg. Co., 1950)... $14.95 each
Wills issued this 2nd series of 25 cards in 1915. The Poodle is the
no. 8 card. I have very few cards with the corded Poodle. This is
an original from 1915. Shown on the back:
POODLE. "Although he is acknowledged to be the most
intelligent member of the canine race, the Poodle has never attained
great popularity in this country, probably because it is
generally considered that his toilet requires a great deal of attention.
His remarkable intelligence and powers of reasoning makes him an
adept at performing tricks. In Belgium, Poodles, carefully
trained to elude all officials in uniform, were once systematically
employed to smuggle valuable lace from Mechlin to the coast.
The coat of the Poodle may be dressed in various ways. Our
picture shows a Poodle of the Corded Variety. The hair is allowed
to grow until it becomes twisted into the long rope-like cords
which are so much admired. The colours most in favour are black,
white, brown, and blue."
Poodle Card 27(Wills Dogs 2nd Series, 1915)... $24.95 each
Moustaffa Tobacco put out this DOGS HEADS by artist Leo Chambers
in 1924. There is no identity listed for the model. The back has the following:
Poodle. "He offers you a wide choice, since he can be curly
or corded and all sorts of sizes. He should have a long fine head
and muzzle, a strongly-compact body, and a jaunty style. His
colour is generally black or white. He is generally a good
retriever, either for land or water use. His coat can be cut into
all sorts of grotesque shapes, according to the taste of the owner.
Feed on Spratt's Dog cakes and "Roduim"."
Poodle Card 28(Moustafa Leo Chambers Dogs Heads, 1924)... SOLD OUT
Another painting of a corded Poodle.Edwards Ringer & Bigg issued this series
titled 'Dog Series-Klondyke'. This very OLD card was issued in 1908 and I
have only one of them. The back of the card is ornate and printed in Maroon
type with Smoke Klondyke Cigarettes. POODLE The Poodle came here from France. He is of two
kinds of coat. One, the "Corded", whose coat hangs in long hard
cords, as depicted here; and the other, the "Curly," with shorter
coat, thick and fluffy, of even length, without knots or cords.
Requires endless care to shave and clip, and keep coat in good
condition. Active and elegant appearance, very apt at learning
tricks. Weight 20 to 60 lbs. Toy Poodles under 8 lbs.
Poodle Card 29(Ringers Klondyke, 1908)... SOLD OUT
Weeties, Crispies and Vitabrits enclosed these cards in their products in 1940. The title of
the series is 'Favourite Dogs'. The back of the card has the following:
FRENCH POODLE "The French Poodle, in his natural state,
has a very long, thick corded coat, but the popular fashion is to
clip the hinder half of the body, the legs and tail, leaving the
hair in tufts. Popular as a show dog and pet, the Poodle often
causes much amusement to those unaccustomed to his somewhat
humorous appearance. He is essentially a water dog and is used
by the French when duck shooting. He is most intelligent and
is one of the best retrievers known."
Poodle Card 30(Weeties Favourite dogs New Zealand, 1940)... SOLD OUT
Philadelphia Caramel company issued these cards over 100 years ago. I have
only been able to get one of these cards. It is rare to get any of this vintage.
They are extremely expensive but a great find for the Poodle Collector.
Poodle Card 31(Philadelphia Caramel Company)... SOLD OUT
A nice painting on this card issued by Players & Sons in 1925.
They were enclosed in
packages of cigarettes containing 10 cigarettes.
POODLE This quaint intelligent French breed can claim
very ancient lineage. There are at least three sizes of Poodles--
the large, scaling up to 70 lbs. in weight; medium, between 15 lbs.
and 30 lbs.; and small, from 4 lbs. to 9 lbs. or 10 lbs. The Kennel
Club, however, classifies them as Poodles and Poodles (miniature),
the latter to be under 15 ins. at shoulder. There are both corded
and curly-coated varieties, the former's coat hanging in long
strands or ringlets. The coat is clipped and shaved to fashion.
Colours black, white, brown, blue, grey, and sometimes red.
Poodle Card 32(Players Scenic, 1925)... SOLD OUT
Fatima Cigarettes put out these "silk" cards over 100 years ago. As you can
see they ravel on the ends and you rarely find one in this quality condition. I
have this one for some lucky collector.
Poodle Card 33(American Tobacco SILK, 1910)... SOLD OUT
Poodle Post Cards
This card and the card below are first date of issue post cards from Romania,
8/27/94, of an artists rendition of a Poodle puppy. Also included is
the Postage Stamp from Bucharest, Romania.
A rare find and one you should have for your collection. You get
the post card and the stamp for the price of the card alone.
Romania is located in Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea.
between Bulgaria and Ukraine. It is slightly smaller than Oregon.
The climate is temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog,
sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms. They have the
following resources petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas,
coal, iron, ore, salt, arable land, hydropower. They also have natural
hazards of earthquakes, most severe in south and southwest; Geologic
structure and climate promote landslides. Environment current issues
include soil erosion and degradation; water pollution; air pollution
in south from industrial effluents; the capital is Bucharest.
Poodle Post Card 1 from Romania... SOLD OUT
See description of this Poodle card from Romania, above on Post card #1.
Poodle Post Card 2 from Romania... SOLD OUT
Poodle 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 Poodle history.
Poodle Playing Card 1... $4.95 each
Poodle Playing Card 2... $4.95 each
Poodle Playing Card 2 and 3... $7.95 each
Poodle Playing Card 4... $4.95 each
This card is a wonderful character rendition of the Poodle. I was able
to obtain a few of these cards in different breeds. They are larger
than a usual playing card. A lucky find.
Poodle Playing Card 5... $12.95 each
It looks like a playiing card but on the back of this great poodle painting
is the following:
Standard Poodle Character: The Poodle has a
character full of fun. It is intellient and obedient. In the United
Kingdom, it has proved a useful competitor in obedience competition.
It has a fondness or water, if the owner permits, but is much
favoured for the show ring where, exhibited in the traditional lion
clip, it is a beauty to behold. Coat: The profuse dense
coat, the harsh texture of which gives such a bouffant look, makes
all three breeds appear bigger than they really are.
Size: 25-40 kg Country Origin: France
Poodle Playing Card 6... $12.95 each
Another fun playing card for the Poodle collector. Regular playing
card size.
Poodle Playing Card 7... $9.95 each
Poodle Cigar Bands
Poodle Cigar Band 1... $7.95 each
Poodle Cigar Band 2... $7.95 each
Poodle Cigar Band 3... $9.95 each
Poodle Match Box Covers
Poodle Match Box Cover 1... $9.95 each
Poodle Match Box Cover 2... $9.95 each
Poodle Book Mark
Poodle Book Mark... $9.95 each
* We can take visa, mastercard, discover, or PayPal. We try to keep
all cards in stock, so we probably have the ones that you are looking
for.
* Truly one of the cheapest unique treats for yourself or a friend (great for
club trophies as well!)
* 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