with the demise of cigarette cards, before and during the war, it seemed as if there were attempts to re-introduce them to a certain degree, and even into the 1980's.
but it is during the 1950's, and early 1960's, that the trade card, issued with many commodities, really took off.
there are many fine and interesting sets issued at this time, most, not as artistic or informative as pre war, with possibly the exception of brooke bond, that used artwork, by fairly skilled artists, and scientists, well known in their respective fields of study, but nevertheless, some , some very collectable sets.
there are a couple of questions i am yet to find out, and that is where many of the sets were originally issued from ?
it seems as if there was one source or art studio, that turned out many subjects, and these were sold to various commodities, as many sets can be found issued by several firms of trade, and even by amalgamated tobacco
likewise, i have noticed that many sets are by the same artist, although not by name, but by his, or her initials on the cards,
i have seen many sets,(within my theme of natural history collecting), by an artist, that signs his initials as CM, or MC.
their are sets of various butterflie, such as issued by mitcham, or birds such as issued by sunlight and others, as well as animal and flower sets.
i have learneed to distinguish this particular artist, by his style, and the artist has a fair knowledge of his subject.
not collecting other themes, i do not know if he illustrates transport or other subjects in cards.
there is also, some very ;tacky; illustrated cards, with animals in exaggerated positions, such as an elephant rearing on its hind leggs, and animals well out of proportion.
also, some of the information should be questioned, as i have a set of cards, with penguins living in the north artic regions, and bactrian camels in front of the pyramids at giza

hi, thanks for replying.
although the military cards you mention, are out of my field of collecting, they are listed in reference books, i have the four british trade index volumes, and also british tobaccos issues handbook, and it is listed as 'types of soldiers'
there appears to have been seven tobacco brands, and sixteen trade brands
the full set comprised of 25 cards
it appears that both murrays and the LCCC, can really only catalogue the most basic sets, and if they catalogued all the trade card issues, it would be far larger than their current catalogues.
it often surprises me what can get into their catalogues, or is omitted, sometimes obscure cardswhich no sets are available seem to get in, yet sets such as issued by nectar, and john corah do not get in

One other point, as I have in the past mentioned your comment to Martin Murray. He said the "catalogue" is a catalogue of his stock which is for sale.  I suppose he had to draw a line somewhere.

Its amazing all the information out there one thing leads to another. did not know that about the regiment but my military knowledge is very limited.

You say you work in a museum as a P????t, can't spell it. It must be very interesting and I can see were your interest in the natural history originated.

I did answer your question about the content of the Guinea Golds but I think I posted it in the wrong category.