The Smoking Gun

In January 1900 Britain was at war in the Transvaal, and Ogden’s re-deployed their 1897 Maxim gun advert, suitably updated and unsubtle in its promotion of the brand.

In September 1899 Britain was about to return to war in South Africa and Ogden’s leaped aboard the jingoistic wave

This advertisement was the first of Ogden’s Illustrated London News campaign forays into matters military to sell their cigarettes. Replacing the simpler, more cartoon approach previously adopted, it represented a graphical upgrade.  However, the signature pun has survived, as has the dominant “OGDEN’S” with slightly smaller product reference. The emphasis on British manufacture and labour