Founded in the late 18th century by Henry Overton Will's. The firm took it's title from the two sons of the founder William Day Wills and Henry Overton Wills the second who succeeded to the business in 1826. In the early days they had premises at Mary-le-Port St and Redcliffe St, Bristol. In 1886 they were considered to be the largest manufacturer's of Tobacco in the Country with factories at Bedminster, Bristol, Ashton Gate, Bristol, Swindon, Newcastle upon Tyne and Dublin. In 1901 they were instrumental in the formation of the "Imperial Tobacco Company" to prevent the Americans buying up UK companies and dominating the markets. In 1878 "Westward Ho! " and "Three Castles" tobacco were introduced. In 1883 "Gold Flake" were their first cigarettes followed by there best known brand "Woodbines" in 1888. I thought we could use this as a thread to show the full range of "Will's" products with showcards-enamels figures etc etc. The following posts show samples of their products taken from ITC catalogue 1901-1951.

bacco

Hi Bacco

My first ever enamel was a Wills

Nice one Lummox and in super condition. This framed "Wild Woodbine" showcard-demonstrates the timeless appeal of a pretty face particularly since the tobacco market was male dominated. Date circa 1919.

bacco

should be the start of a good thread Bacco..you cant beat a good Wills ciggy sign..heres the "Wills Flag"..love the image of the battle ship with the union jack proudly flying..

Hi Banjo,

Lets have a pic of your Green Ogdens ' brick ' sign please. Want to see if its the same as mine ?

ta L'umo

Heres one of my favorite Wills tins ,Cheers

Nice "Flag" enamel b.b and super "Windlass" tin dan. This post is my large framed glass "Woodbine" sign.

bacco

sorry lummox mate,,but this is a Wills only thread and i dont wanna upset the apple cart..maybe if we ask our good mate "bacco" nicely he could start another great thread off for "Ogdens",just like he did with the Players Hero stuff..love that Windlass tin by the way..                                             

Hey Banjo,

Bacco won't mind ............he's a die hard 'tobacconist !! '

L'umo

PS  Great Tin Dan !

Here`s my contribution

One of my fave Wills's items.

Cheers.

Al.

double sided "WILLS STAR"..would look better the right way up but god knows how you do that..?

Nice early "Westward Ho"match-holder/striker AL. That Will's "Star" also in good condition b.b.  I have one which I will post with my Will's "RCV" tobacco.

bacco

Heres a nice Woodbine...sorry about the Players one..