| Kensitas cigarettes were one of the
top brands for many years, helped, no doubt, in the sixties and seventies by
the gift coupons in every packet. But back in the 1930s they were noted for a
different and innovative style of promotion. Their silk flags and Kensitas silk
embroidered flowers were highly popular with collectors – and still are.
In 1935 they began issuing another classic with great appeal, cards featuring
the antics of a mischievous boy called Henry, the invention of well-known
American strip cartoonist Carl Anderson, each colour picture being a complete
episode in Henry’s life as he gets himself embroiled in some hilarious
situations. Over an eighteen month period, Wix produced five different series
of fifty Henry cards, our set for January being the last or 5th
Series from 1936. The backs bear some outrageous claims, including
“Kensitas – your throat protection against irritation against
cough” whilst on the front is “copyright reserved” – an
interesting difference from the Henry cards issued by the American Tobacco
Company with Tareyton Cigarettes in the USA which showed “Copyright King
Features”. This set is well worth adding to your collection and the
humorous cartoons of Henry are sure to bring a smile to your face. This set of
50 cards in finest collectible condition is available at £30.
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