This die - cut showcard for "Waverley" cigarettes manufactured by Lambert & Butler Tobacco Manufacturer, founded in 1834 and commenced cigarette manufacturing in 1876. This brand "Waverley" named after Sir Walter Scott's historical novel of  1832 and introduced by L & B in1881. The brand "Waverley" had several versions such as oval, round, special and this straight cut introduced in 1897 and still available into the 1960s. Other brand names included "Rhodian" - "Needle Point" - "May Blossom" etc, etc. The firm were based at Drury Lane, London WC2 and became a branch of the ITC in 1901.

bacco

 

Thanks Bacco, very interesting. I wonder what significance the Sphinx has with the May Blossom cigarettes. Is it purely the Victorian fascination with Egypt(ology)?

 Hi Planesman,

I think your right.  It is  believed that modern Egyptology began in the 1820s and had great interest in Victorian Society although the "Waverley" tin posted and the showcard does not have the "Sphinx" logo. The records show that this brand of tobacco was introduced in 1895 and I can only assume that the "Sphinx" was introduced possibly at turn of the century or when they became a branch of the ITC in 1901. Do any forum members have any L & B tins, showcards to show.

bacco

I think the Sphinx TRADE MARK was first used by Lambert & Butler around 1875

lummox

Here's my 1oz. Bit scratchy.

 Nice one hilbert and Lummox you were almost right as after a bit of research, I found that the Sphinx was registered as L & B trademark in 1871. What bothered me was that some of their different brands and advertising were missed out like those posted. It was also interesting to note that the company had a field and athletic club call the "SPHINX" at Stamford Hill. The "Jessamine" tin posted was sent to me by Broadie with others. Introduced in 1897 and in super condition.

bacco

 Hi Bacco,

Royal Salute is the other classic L&B tin with the sphinx logo. I also have a Viking Navy Cut which is a bit more unusual and has no sphinx on it?

The forum still wont work with apple so no pics, sorry.

Cabs

 Hi Cabs,

Found a couple of photo's of the "Royal Salute" tin. Two different sizes. Not familiar with the "Viking Navy Cut" tin. Seems quite a few without the Sphinx logo.

bacco

 

 Another couple of L & B tins. Flaked "Honey Dew" and another variation of the "Waverley" brand

 

bacco

 

 This is a nice early dummy packet "Open Road" mixture introduced in 1920's. I am a bit baffled why it does not have the "Sphinx" trade mark on it. 

 

bacco