1931 Wills Lawn Tennis Set and Checklist
‘It’s In The Details’
Title | Wills Lawn Tennis |
Year | 1931 |
Size | 2″ x 3″ |
Images | Color |
Type | Tobacco |
Number in Set |
25 |
1931 Wills Lawn Tennis Set Overview
This short set of tennis greats was printed by the Imperial Tobacco company for its Wills brand of tobacco products.
The issue features tennis players from around the globe and is headlined by the legendary Bill Tilden and Helen Wills-Moody. Other key cards are found here, too, including one of Rene Lacoste, who would go on to create the Lacoste brand of clothing.
The cards are unique for their day as tobacco issues. Instead of a narrow vertical design, the cards are shaped more like a true square, similar to the American gum and candy cards of the 1930s, such as Goudey’s releases.
Most UK tobacco issues from the 1930s are very common and, as a result, not very expensive. However, this set is an exception with cards being relatively rare. Stars from the set can easily sell for over $100.
The set was reprinted in 1988 with a mention of that reprint at the bottom on the backs. Reprints are commonly seen today as this is a popular set.
1931 Wills Lawn Tennis Set Checklist
- Wilmer Allison
- Fraulein Cilli Aussem
- Bunny Austin
- Jean Borotra
- Jacques Brugnon
- Henri Cochet
- Ian Collins
- Edith Cross
- Lili D’Alvarez
- Dr. Colin Gregory
- George Patrick Hughes
- Helen jacobs
- Charles Kingsley
- Rene Lacoste
- Joan Fry / T.A. Lakeman
- H. G. N. Lee
- Randolph Lycett
- Betty Nuthall
- Joan Ridley
- Elizabeth Ryan
- Bill Tilden
- John Van Ryn
- Holcroft Watson
- Fearnley Whitingstall
- Helen Wills-Moody
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