Imagine unwrapping a pack of cigarettes and finding a coveted card of your favorite basketball player or team. While this might seem bizarre to us today, back in the early 20th century, tobacco brands were synonymous with basketball cards.
Tobacco companies strategically included illustrated cards in their packaging to boost sales and capture the interest of consumers. Little did they know that these cards would become prized possessions for basketball collectors a hundred years later.
RAH, RAH, RAH!
Tobacco brands soon realized college campuses were prime a target for acquiring new customers, so in an era where basketball was gaining immense popularity and collegiate pride ran deep, the inclusion of college basketball cards in tobacco products was a stroke of marketing genius.
With each pack of cigarettes purchased, students eagerly collected and traded sports cards in order to find the ones that featured their college or university. This clever marketing tactic not only boosted sales but also cemented the tobacco brands' presence in the minds of college students.
Girls, Girls, Basketball Girls
The Hamilton King Girls were the brainchild of renowned New York illustrator Hamilton King, appearing on magazines and advertising for almost 20 years. These alluring images were used by Turkish Trophies cigarettes as premium giveaways, captivating audiences with their elegance and sophistication.
They serve as a reminder of a bygone era when sports, advertising, and collectibles intertwined in a unique blend of art and commerce.
Everything Old is New Again
In 2008, Topps released a set paying homage to the 1909 Murad T-51 basketball cards. The cards replicated the 1909 design and replaced the unknown players of yesteryear with the superstars of the modern era.
Where there's Smoke there's Fire
While times have changed, the legacy of tobacco brands using basketball cards to sell remains a vivid reminder of an era marked by creativity and artistry.
So, the next time you come across a vintage tobacco basketball card, take a moment to appreciate its significance. These treasures are not just pieces of cardboard; they are windows into the past, reminders of the brands who helped shaped the hobby we love.