1934
The CINEMA STARS series, launched by Abdulla & Co. Ltd. in 1934, represents a true treasure for collectors. This set consists of 32 hand-colored cards, a technique that gives each one a touch of uniqueness and artistic value. The dimensions of these small works of art are approximately 3.49 cm x 6.67 cm, ideal sizes for detailed appreciation or preservation as precious keepsakes. Originally inserted into cigarette packages, these cards are now sought after for their beauty and history, telling of an era when even the smallest object could be transformed into a masterpiece of creativity and craftsmanship. These cards depict cinema stars of the time, such as Gary Cooper, Greta Garbo, and Buster Keaton, captured in vibrant colors that seize the essence of their charisma. The series includes 32 cards, each a window into Hollywood’s golden age, offering a taste of history and nostalgia. To view the complete series, click on additional information, or on the symbol immediately below the series year.
1939
The SCREEN STARS series of 1939 is a collection of 40 tobacco cards dedicated to the movie stars of the 1930s. This series is a testimony of the charm and glamour of that era, in which the actresses were the undisputed protagonists of the most popular and appreciated films by the public. The cards, of small format but of great visual impact, show us the faces and clothes of the stars, with a high-quality color photograph (head and shoulders) on a neutral background. On the back of the cards, in addition to the name of the star, her film studio and the number of the card, we also find the inscription ABDULLA & Co. ltd. with the address 173, NEW BOND STREET LONDON, ENGLAND. This reminds us that the series was produced in limited edition by the well-known British cigarette company Abdulla & Co, founded in London in 1902 and specialized in cigarettes of various blends (Egyptian, Virginia and Turkish). The company, which moved to the prestigious location of New Bond Street in 1917 (former location of the Fabergé boutique, and currently of Chanel), was acquired around 1927 by a larger competitor, Godfrey Phillips, who kept the name and brands of the company. The series covers different film genres, from musical comedy to historical drama, and offers us an overview of the main female protagonists of American and British cinema of that period. Among the actresses in the series, we can find both Hollywood legends, such as Myrna Loy, Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, and British stars, such as Vivien Leigh, Merle Oberon and Madeleine Carroll. The series is a unique opportunity for cinema and cigarette cards enthusiasts, to discover the culture and fashion of an unforgettable era.