Hello,
I am working on trying to date the first issue of cigarette cards Football Club and Colors by Leon Marcus and Company under the Handicap brand. From the 1896 Tobacco trade journal I know that the company first released Leading Crcketers in May 1896 and I believe the Football set was also first issued not long after that date.
Later versions of the Football cards carry the Kinnear stamp from when the company became incorporated in April 1897. However I haven't been able to find mention of when the cards were first issued.
Any help or information is greatly appreciated.
AL