Found in a cellar with others, this Wm Clarke & Son showcard was in a bit of a distressed state and after some careful renovation and framed it now looks ready for hanging. The firm Wm Clarke & Son, was founded in Cork in 1830 and afterwards moved to Liverpool in 1870. Transferred back to Ireland when customs barriers were imposed in Eire (1923). Prior to joining the ITC in 1901, they had a factory in Dublin, as tobacco imported into the Irish Free State attracted a much higher duty. They also had numerous retail shops in Ireland. They eventually combined to form the Wills-Clarke Branch, Dublin. This showcard measures 33" X 20" much larger than others I have had. It was manufactured by a German Company and dates around 1900. Not one I have come across before.

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(Can someone turn the pictures round please)

 A couple of "Clarke's" tins. "Thunder Clouds" one of the most popular tobacco brands and introduced in 1895 and still available in 1940's. Also, is a "Comus" cigarette tin introduced in 1897 and a bit of a rarity and includes a quote from "Milton" on the inside of the lid.

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(Can someone turn the above showcard right way up. Thanks!)

A few Clarke's enamels ...

 Hi Meiki,

3 Clarke's enamels,good find - are they in Ireland. I see a Carroll's "Spearman" in back of the van. Is it card or tin??

Thanks Lummox for turning the showcard. Have posted a Clarke's "Thunder Clouds" showcard. (It must have been a rough ride on those coaches)

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Ireland, indeed, Bacco, the Carrolls sign is tin and one of the rarer ones.

Greets,

Meiki

 Hi Meiki,

Can you do a closer photo of that Carroll's "Spearman" as I have not seen it before. I have had a few Carroll's in the past which I have attached but sadly had to let them go due to downsizing. Are you finding many enamels/showcards in Ireland???

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 This is another "Clarke's" showcard found in a cellar on the Isle of Anglesey. Lost a bit of background colouring due to being in damp storage. However, has cleaned up well. Any forum members have any other "Clarke's" items.

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