From a 1934 'Fag' Packet

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I could spend hours raking around in antique shops and flea markets. The only trouble is, if I spot something attractive and cheap, I usually end up buying it, even though I have no foreseeable use for it.

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This was the case with these artistic little cameos. These intricately designed “silks” were brought out by J. Wix & Sons Ltd., of London, manufacturers of Kesitas cigarettes in the 1930’s.

The colourful and beautiful woven first series of flowers, issued in 1934, ran to 60 in total, and a full set in good condition was recently valued for £1200.

I found 16, and they cost me £2.50. A long way off a full set….but I liked them.

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On the back of the packet was the message: “Why do we give you these inserts? Because Tobacco is a plant and we want you to realise that only the finest Virginia Tobacco is used in Kensitas. The clean centre leaves. These are the mildest leaves. They cost more. They taste better”.

They recommended that the delicate weavings could be protected by keeping them in a special little album available from J. Wix, post free, at the cost of one shilling.

"Cigarettes and Whiskey and Wild, Wild Women" was the music I was looking for. Could I find it? Nope.

It must be a Country & Western song or is it from a show? I'll have to look it up another time.

So here is a bit of 'Olde English'

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Tobacco’s but an Indian weed,

Grows green at morn, cut down at eve;

It shows our decay,

We are but clay;

Think of this when you smoke tobacco.

The ashes that are left behind,

Do serve to put us all in mind

That unto dust

Return we must;

Think of this when you smoke tobacco.

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