The Smoking Gun

Ref: Published Punch, January 23, 1924 John Player and Sons Nottingham based tobacco manufactory opened in 1877, becoming one of the major British producers. Although merging with twelve other manufacturers in 1901 to form the Imperial Tobacco Company, they retained their own brand identities.  Best known for their Navy Cut tobacco and cigarettes and ‘Hero’ […]

Albert Bailey’s advert perfectly captures the aspirational use of the sporting firearm.

Published: Punch, 3 November 1920 This 1920 advertisement might seem out of place in the Smoking Gun gallery.  The gun reference lies in the rather old fashioned, text-heavy sales pitch, while the brand illustration is frankly spooky. However, it neatly illustrates the post war repurposing of guns in the advertising arsenal. The First World War

In January 1900 Britain was at war again in the South Africa and Ogden’s re-deployed their 1897 Maxim gun advert, suitably updated and unsubtle in its promotion of the brand. The earlier ultra – realistic illustration is re-imagined in cartoon style, the gun created from a box of “Ogden’s Guinea -Golds” and its contents. Beside