1923
“Immerse yourself in the magic of early-century cinema with EDWARDS RINGER & BIGG’s ‘CINEMA STARS’ collection, a treasure trove of film memorabilia printed in 1923. This exclusive set of 50 cards, each measuring approximately 3.33 cm x 6.67 cm, is a black-and-white tribute (with sepia tones) to the stars who lit up the big screen during the golden age of silent film. Each card, originally distributed as an insert in cigarette packages, captures the essence of legendary icons such as Mary Pickford, known as the ‘girl with the curls,’ and Charlie Chaplin, the tramp with a heart of gold, among many others. From the captivating faces of Norma and Constance Talmadge to the daring feats of Tom Mix and Buck Jones, this collection offers a nostalgic look at an era that defined the allure and art of visual storytelling. With actors and actresses ranging from Miss Du Pont to Bert Lytell, each card is a window to the past, an invitation to relive the highlights of stars that still shine in the firmament of cinema today. These cards are more than mere collectibles; they are fragments of history, pieces of a puzzle that, when assembled, reveal the portrait of an industry in full creative effervescence. The ‘CINEMA STARS’ series is a must for movie enthusiasts, for those who wish to own a piece of Hollywood’s golden era, and for anyone who wants to dive into the atmosphere of a time when every frame was a spark of pure cinematic magic.”
1923
"In the vibrant world of collecting, the ‘CINEMA STARS’ card series from 1923 stands out for its historical and cultural richness. The larger series, composed of 25 cards, offers a different experience compared to the set of 50 cards. With its larger dimensions, this series allows viewers to appreciate every minute detail of expressions and costumes, transporting them directly to the 1920s. This sepia-toned photo set features some silent film celebrities, including Charlie Chaplin and the young Jackie Coogan, who starred in ‘The Kid.’ Coogan is depicted smoking a cigarette—a scene that surprises us today. However, his fame is tied to the legal battle he waged as an adult to recover money earned during his childhood, which was held by his mother and stepfather. The set also includes Ivy Close, a British actress who won the title of the world’s most beautiful woman in a Daily Mirror contest. Other notable figures are Sessue Hayakawa, the first Asian actor to become a star in the United States; Tom Mix, the cowboy film hero with his unmistakable hat; Georges Carpentier, a former French boxer who turned to singing and dancing before acting in various silent and sound films; Douglas Fairbanks, famous for his adventure films; Dustin Farnum, a Western film star; and Wanda Hawley and Mary Pickford, two actresses who struggled to adapt to sound films. On the reverse side of the photos, you’ll find advertisements for the company and its products. The dimensions of these cards are 67 x 57 mm. To view the complete series, click on ‘additional information’ or the symbol right below the series year."