Winners cigarettes

Although he was shown the door, UK companies were aware of the risk from such a powerful competitor, especially after the Liverpool business of Ogden's fell prey to his buying power. The response was for 13 of the major manufacturers in the UK to join together as the Imperial Tobacco Co Ltd which was formed in December 1901. Duke was rebuffed and Imperial recovered Ogden's as part of an agreement in which American Tobacco relinquished the rights to sell their products in the UK. In early 1902 Imperial issued "Winners" cigarettes which was one of only two brands issued in their name rather than the individual member companies. It was a single issue in early 1902 and I guess the name "Winners" alludes to the victory over ATC. The back of the packet proclaims that they are made "by British labour with British capital". The brand's issue coincided with celebrations for the Coronation of Edward VII on 26th September 1902 and so in addition to the 5 cigarettes and 3 mouthpieces a folding card was included in the packets all for the price of one penny. What a lovely souvenir to find intact after 125 years.