"THE PRIDE OF THE REGIMENT"
1941---1945
Pin-ups, cigarettes, and soldiers seem to go hand in hand. Pictures of pretty girls, like Raleigh's "The Pride of the Regiment," could be found in the wall lockers of most state-side World War II servicemen. Old coffee cans painted and labeled 'Butts' were conveniently placed throughout their barracks. Out on the parade ground cigarette butts had to be 'field-stripped'. A cigarette is field stripped when the smoker splits what is left of the cigarette paper lengthwise, shakes the tobacco free, then wads the paper up into a tiny ball. There were few comforts or amenities, though, for the foot soldier in combat. Field rations consisted of canned meats, a can of fruit, vitamin fortified biscuits, plus a small accessory packet containing chewing gum, coffee, sugar, toilet paper, a book of matches, and cigarettes. There were several versions or revisions of C-rations issued during the Second World War. Toward the end a soldier's daily rations included a cigarette pack with nine cigarettes in it, or three smaller packs of three cigarettes each. Chesterfield, Lucky Strike, and Old Gold were three WW II C-ration cigarette brands that had very plain packets devoid of graphics.
The artist who created the striking show card that I have pictured above, didn't sign it. Although I'm not 100 percent sure, it's probably the work of Zoe Mozert. Ms. Mozert (1907-1993) was a famous female pin-up artist who is best remembered for the movie fan magazine covers that she painted.
Home |
Slide & Shells |
Boxes & Tins
1880's Trade Cards |
A Pretty Face |
20 Turks Magazine Ads
Cigarette Packs |
International Smokes |
Favorite Tailor Mades
Nicotiana Recomendi
*NOTE* All images are copyright by James A. Shaw. Reproduction of any kind is strictly prohibited without prior express written consent...