European Dancers, cigarette cards, 1915 (colour litho) (see also 473603)

The supply of cigarettes and tobacco to troops during World War I was considered an essential morale booster and General Pershing stated that a cigarette played a role as important as ammunition by helping soldiers to endure the tedium of war, steady nerves and calm the wounded. These unusually vivacious cards would have provided additional cheer. Dancing girls from Belgium, England, France, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy and Norway; from a series of 'Dancing Girls' of the World, produced as cigarette cards by W.D. & H.O. Wills 'Scissors' cigarettes;