Cigarette cards have been much-loved by collectors ever since they were first invented by the US company Allen and Ginter back in 1871.

Although the original purpose of cigarette cards was to protect the cigarettes from damage, tobacco companies around the world soon realised the cigarette cards’ value as collectables and started producing picture cards for smokers to collect to encourage brand loyalty.

Having first appeared in the UK in 1887 when issued by W.D. & H.O. Wills, the popularity of cigarette cards really took off a few years later when Ogdens - a Liverpool company - introduced the first series of photographic cards in 1894.

As Britain’s best known provider of cigarette card auctions, Warwick & Warwick has specialised in buying and selling rare cigarette cards for the best part of five decades.

At Warwick & Warwick, we appreciate how much time and effort goes into compiling cigarette card collections and realise the sentimental value they can often carry.

That’s why our specialists are pleased to provide free advice to UK residents on all matters relating to private treaty sales, probate or insurance purposes, or buying and selling in a cigarette cards auction.

   

With six cigarette and trade card auctions held throughout the year the prices which are realised at our auctions always reflect the high quality we provide.

Each sale contains a large section of cigarette card collections and accumulations, often offered intact. This is followed by a listing of sets offered by manufacturer, with many for sale as single sets or individual cards of value.

Foreign cards are also offered and we are renowned for selling top quality non-tobacco related items in our trade card auctions.

If you reside in the UK and have rare cigarette cards for sale or you’re thinking of selling your collection, our expert valuers will happily give you a free and accurate indication of their worth.

To find out what your old cigarette cards are worth, please call 01926 499031 today.

How to get free cigarette cards valuations

If you have cigarette cards for sale or you’re planning to sell part or all of your collection, our experts will be happy provide a free valuation.

Discover what your old cigarette cards are worth now – it may only be a little, but the value of a holding can often surprise even the most experienced collectors.

Get in touch today, email a picture to info@warwickandwarwick.com or call us on 01926 499031 for an informal discussion.

For more details, please visit our Cigarette Card Valuations page.

The dates of our cigarette card auctions

Our auctions selling rare cigarette cards and trade cards are held regularly throughout the year.

The dates of our upcoming auctions are:

• 20th November 2024
• 22nd January 2025
• 19th March 2025

Our rare cigarette card auctions start at 10am.

If you want to buy rare or antique cigarette cards at auction, the online catalogue will be available approximately 3 weeks before the sale.

Click on our auction catalogue to place bids on cigarette card collections and other items in the sale now!

Bids are also accepted by email, post, over the phone. Why not also take advantage of bidding live via Easy Live Auction - simply click on the button at the bottom of the page.

   

Viewing times for our cigarette card auctions

Members of the public and cigarette card dealers who prefer to make a first-hand inspection before buying can view all our valuable cigarette cards at Chalon House in Warwick.

The viewing times are:

• 9am – 4.30pm on the Friday, Monday and Tuesday prior to the sale.

Please note that there will be no viewing facility outside these periods.

If you want to buy cigarette cards commission bids can be placed in advance of the sale. 

You can use our online facility to place bids or do so by telephone, post or email. For further details, please visit our Online Catalogue. You may prefer to take advantaage of bidding live from the comfort of your own home or office via Easy Live Auction - simply click on the button at the bottom of this page to find us.

Requests for further images can be sent to scans@warwickandwarwick.com

   

Our cigarette cards auction venue 

All Warwick & Warwick cigarette cards auctions take place at our Warwick offices. There is no facility for room bidders during the sale but we do encourage live bidding on the day via EasyLive.

Simply click on the Easy Live Auction button at the bottom of the page to find us.

Please note that Easy Live Auction charge for this service.

Free registration with Easy Live Auction will attract a 3% charge on the hammer price. The £3 flat fee will not!

Bids are also accepted via our online catalogue and by post. There are limited telephones available so please do give Easy Live Auction a go!

When do I get my rare cigarette cards?

Invoices are emailed to you the day after the sale. Please provide payment via online Faster Payments or cheque. Card payments are accepted for invoices under £500. We aim to despatch goods within several days of receiving your payment (7 days for payment by cheque). Lots may be collected from the Friday after the sale, strictly by appointment. Please call 01926 499031. Payment should be made in advance.

   

Buy and sell valuable cigarette cards now!

At Warwick & Warwick we like to make buying and selling valuable cigarette cards as easy as possible.

Jessica Lowe, Jill Smith, Jack Colchester and Zak Cleary, our resident cigarette and trade cards experts and valuers, have a particular interest in this field and will be delighted to help you.

Contact the team today to buy and sell cigarette cards in complete confidence.

With a wonderful selection of cigarette cards for sale that are suitable for novice and experienced collectors, it’s no wonder we’re the UK’s leading auctioneers.

Email info@warwickandwarwick.com or call 01926 499031 now.

To view auction reports of previous sales please click here.