Friday 2nd of June 2023 - W.D. & H.O. Wills [tobacco : UK] "Musical Celebrities" first series (November 1912) 38/50 – W675-123 : W62-90.1 : W/83 - and birthday boy of the day Edward Elgar.
https://csgb.co.uk/publications/newsletter/2023-05-27
in which we pondered why, for some reason, cards 3, 6 , 8, 22, 33, 39 and 40 of this second series were said to “bear a back design differing slightly from the other cards in the series”.
We asked if anyone could explain this and we were rewarded with not only the information, thanks to keen reader Andrew Walters, but some scans. Now before we explain further, have a look yourself and see if you can "spot the difference" ...
He also tells us that in addition to the seven cards listed above, card number 25 (of Felix Weingartner) also has the different back design.
In case you are still stumped, the main differences are :
1. under the word "CIGARETTES" the row of what look like piano keys are either curved at the end, or straight
2. the bar below these keys is also curved at the end or straight
3. below that bar there is a further line of three boxes with central circles.
Now in case you were wondering, the first set of "Musical Celebrities" have the additional row of boxes on the backs, so it is probable that this design was the original on the second series as well. That is why it appears first here. But why did they not just leave it as a curved line, and remove the lower boxes, rather than redrawing the top row and the bar? And we do not yet know why the design was changed.
Now if you have some time on your hands, nip along to the internet auction of your choice and you will find that a lot of the complete sets being offered have backs of both formats amongst them. You may also find that your own set has. However it is entirely up to you whether you decide to try and make up two sets, or whether you just enjoy the fact that you can now show off your cards and also tell of this interesting story. I cannot find any catalogue that lists the set as either back A or back B so the truth is that it is entirely up to you.