The R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company introduced their king size Cavalier Cigarettes in 1949. This new non-filter tipped cigarette was originally sold in a white soft pack picturing a dashing French cavalier in his 17th Century uniform. Handsome point-of-sale advertising, magazine ads and posters, plus a pretty little pin for a lady's blouse, helped promote the cigarette. The catchy brandname, plus the free Cavalier gift pin, were an inspiration to a group of former Chicago Boy Scouts that wanted to march in parades and perform in major competitions. In 1950 the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps decided to take their name from the cigarette, and then used RJR's distinctive gold pin to decorate their hats. Pictured below is an original die-cut counter sign, three different versions of the Cavalier pack, plus the advertising pin and the box that it came in. In 1953 a unique oval tin of 100 Cavalier Cigarettes was also produced. This unusual tin sold for the bargain price of 79 cents.