Was this the most offensive set of cigarette cards ever issued?

[Sam Salt]

In 1890 the American manufacturer W.S. Kimball issued a very nice set of cards that depicted the heads of state of various small nations and tribes around the world. This was a very nicely produced set and everything would have been fine except for the name they decided to give to the set - 'Savage and Semi-barbarous Chiefs and Rulers'.

Naturally the rulers and chiefs concerned were not overly pleased about being described in this way and the set also caused offense in Britain as some of the heads of state depicted ruled nations that were part of the British Empire.

Today, despite its 'un-PC' nature the set is highly sought after and is an attractive and interesting snapshot of its times.

[IanSammel]

I suppose it depends on what you find offensive really.  I remember back in the 60s some bubble gum cards caused outrage.  For example there was Dr. No.  Worried parents were convinced that Ursula Andress exposing her thingies would pervert children irretrievably.  Then there was Battle which showed far too much gratuitous violence (personally I thought Civil War News had the edge).  In Germany there were calls to ban the Garbage Pail Kids.  There are also sets which were specifically intended to offend such as "Raubstaat England" issued in 1941.  Then there were Raemaker's War Cartoons which supposedly offended the Kaiser so much that he put a price on Raemaker's head.

[IanSammel]

I just Googled Raemaker's War Cartoons and came up with Cream of Cards TV.  Amazing stuff:

WW1 Propaganda Cartoons Art Pt 1 of 3 Louis Raemaekers Effects of Zeppelin U-Boats Submarines

[bri.d]

not a full set but theres one or two ogdens tabs which or very offensive

[IanSammel]

An offensive card?

[Captain Pugwash]

As mentioned by Ian three of the more violent cards from A&BC gum & Topps
Battle,Civil War News and Mars Attacks.
As 10 year olds my school friends and I thought the were great,and I still do.
I agree with Ian.Civil War News has the edge and still finds willing buyers on Ebay.

et.com/albums/r517/muttley54/002-1.jpg[/IMG]

[Captain Pugwash]

Sorry only one photo uploaded and too large.I'm new at this will try again.

[Captain Pugwash]

[Captain Pugwash]

[loose cannon]

Those are pretty gory. And they complain about the violence in modern computer games...