Description:
This is authentic a classic edition of British tobacco history – Gold Flake Honey Dew„, manufactured by a famous company WD & HO Wills, founded back in 1786 in the city of Bristol.
This package is marked with the inscription:
NAAFI STORES - FOR HM FORCES
this means that it was intended for the supply of the British armed forces (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) – meaning sold only to soldiers and within the military supply chain. Such packages were issued or sold to soldiers during WWII and post-war until the 1950s.
The design stands out with classic gold and red in colors and „Grand Diploma of Honour Medal Series, indicating international awards earned at 19th century exhibitions (London 1862, Amsterdam 1883, New Zealand 1882, Antwerp 1885).
At the top is an inscription about army stores, and at the bottom is information about the quantity ("This package contains twenty cigarettes").
Value assessment:
Collectible value: Very high. This is one rarer military supply ("Forces issue") permits, especially because of Wills' production and excellent condition. Such packages are valuable both military stories, both tobacco stories for collectors.
Condition assessment: Excellent, clean cardboard, not torn, colors remain bright. The package is likely empty (as is common for exhibits of this period).
Historical data and popularity: „Gold Flake was the most popular tobacco product of the British Army during the 1930s-50s, later becoming one of Imperial Tobacco's best-known brands worldwide.
