1926 Major Drapkin Optical Illusions Set and Checklist

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Pre-War Cards

‘It’s In The Details’

Title	Major Drapkin Optical Illusions
Year	1926
Size	1 1/2″ x 2 5/8″
Images	Color
Type	Tobacco
Number in Set	25

1926 Major Drapkin Optical Illusions Overview

Drapkin Optical Illusion Boxing This unique set was printed by UK tobacco company Major Drapkin. Their name is on the back and this was one of many sets of cigarette cards issued by that producer.

The cards are centered around various optical illusions. A picture is presented on the front showing an illusion and each one is given a title. The back goes into some detail about the illusion pictured. There are a total of only 25 cards in the set but it is one of the tougher overseas cigarette issues to find.

Most of the cards in the set are not sports related. However, one features the sport of boxing. Card No. 3 pictures a boxer is standing victorious over another fighter inside of a ring with a large crowd surrounding it. The illusion featured here is with regards to their size.

The boxing card is titled, ‘His Own Size?’ The illusion gives the appearance of the winning boxer being taller than the man laying down. But once measured, it is evident that the two are the same size.

Variation

As with several other UK tobacco issues, a larger-sized parallel set was issued as well. These cards have the same images and design, but only measure larger.

Similar to other sets, the larger size is shaped more like a square. The larger cards are significantly tougher to find and, as a result, usually are worth a bit more than the smaller ones.