Allen & Ginter Girl Cyclists (N49) Set and Checklist

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Pre-War Cards

‘It’s In The Details’

Title	Allen & Ginter Girl Cyclists (N49)
Year	1887
Size	2 1/2″ x 4 1/4″
Images	Sepia
Type	19th Century Tobacco
Number in Set	Unknown (60+)

Allen & Ginter Girl Cyclists (N49) Set Overview

This rare set from the 19th century pictures female cyclists. The use of female images as athletes was a common theme in the 1800s. Female cyclists are depicted in a variety of poses, riding bicycles with some performing various stunts on them.

The set is commonly called a Virginia Brights release but that is only partially true. A better name is the Allen & Ginter title given to it in the American Card Catalog. This set is listed in that book under the N49 designation.

While most of the cards are seen with the Virginia Brights Cigarettes name, some are shown with the Dixie Cigarettes name. Both were Allen & Ginter brands.

Fronts picture sepia images of the female cyclists. Backs of the cards are blank. The bottom of all cards have the Allen & Ginter name with either the Virginia Brights or Dixie name in larger print, depending on which of those two cigarette brands that particular card was issue with. Fronts also include a card number.

Even in low-grade condition and not depicting actual athletes, these cards typically start around $50 each in low-grade condition.

Allen & Ginter Girl Cyclists (N49) Set Checklist

A full checklist of this set has not yet been developed. However, I have seen several cards in the 60s, indicating there are likely at least that many.