Ardath Cork Tipped Cigarette tin

Here we have a vintage Ardath large cigarette box.

This box is 17cm long, 8cm deep and 5cm tall. It is made from tin which has been painted gold coloured on the outside. The lid is hinged and opens to reveal hardwood lining to the interior sides and unpainted base and lid interior. The top and sides are embossed with a floral pattern and the base is imprinted with 'ARDATH CORK TIPPED CIGARETTES' We believe this may have been a presentation box that may have held aprox 100 filtered standard cigarettes.
The company was created in the late 19th century in London, England, and was originally called Albert Levy & Thomas. In 1893, Sir Albert Levy, a London tobacco merchant, was visiting the United States. While in New York State, Levy was a passenger on the Empiro State Express train, which broke speed records as locomotive 999 sped its way to Buffalo, New York at a peak of 112 1/2 miles an hour (180 km/h). It was the first train to break the 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) mark.

When Sir Albert returned to England, he registered the State Express name as a trademark, along with the series of triple numbers from 111 to 999. All of these numbers were used as different brands, each with a different blend or mix of tobacco: 444 was made with Macedonian leaf, and 777 was made with Turkish tobacco, for example. The most popular of these was the Virginia tobacco State Express 555, introduced in 1895.

The name of the company was changed in 1901 to the Ardath Tobacco Company, and was split in 1925 when it was sold; British American Tobacco acquired the overseas rights of Ardath, while the Imperial Tobacco Group retained the rights of sale within the United Kingdom and Ireland. The State Express brand proved to be a boon for B.A.T., where it was a huge success in China until the rise of communism there (though it has since been re-introduced). In the United Kingdom, Ardath's brands also endured, to the point where they were granted a Royal Warrant by King George VI in 1946.

In 1961, British American Tobacco bought out Imperial Tobacco's share of Ardath, thus gaining full control of Ardath's trademarks.

PLEASE NOTE

As of May 2021 we no longer offer free postage. Postage is a cost regardless of whether it is offered as 'free'. We do include packaging in the item cost so the postage charged is just the actual postage cost. We prefer our customers to see what they are paying for the item and what they are paying for postage. We always try to offer the best value postage for the items being sent. We will ensure safe packaging for delivery and use royal mail second class signed for. We also offer two other paid options for quicker UK delivery. Although cheaper alternatives are available we have found them to be less reliable and use less care handling your items. You are always welcome to collect at an agreed time to suit all concerned.