Tobacco Collecting

Archive for the ‘Lucky Strike’ Category

Lucky Strike is a brand of American cigarettes, often referred to as "Luckies".

The brand was first introduced by R.A. Patterson of Richmond, Virginia, in 1871 as a cut-plug chewing tobacco and later a cigarette. In 1905, the company was acquired by the American Tobacco Company (ATC), and Lucky Strike would later prove to be its answer to R.J. Reynolds' Camel.

In 1917, the brand started using the slogan "It's Toasted" to inform consumers about the manufacturing method in which the tobacco is toasted rather than sun-dried. The message "L.S.M.F.T." ("Lucky Strike means fine tobacco") was introduced on the package in the same year.

In 1935, ATC began to sponsor Your Hit Parade, featuring North Carolina tobacco auctioneer Speed Riggs. The weekly radio show's countdown catapulted the brand's success and would remain popular for 25 years. The shows capitalized on the tobacco auction theme and each ended with the signature phrase "Sold, American".
A Pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes next to an individual cigarette. The current packaging (RJ Reynolds) removes some of the text, and has a new seal with an Indian chief and says "A 20 CIGARETTES".
A Pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes next to an individual cigarette. The current packaging (RJ Reynolds) removes some of the text, and has a new seal with an Indian chief and says "A 20 CIGARETTES".

The brand's signature dark green pack was changed to white in 1942. In a famous advertising campaign that used the slogan "Lucky Strike Green has gone to war", the company claimed the change was made because the copper used in the green color was needed for World War II. American Tobacco actually used chromium to produce the green ink, and copper to produce the gold-colored trim. A limited supply of each was available, and substitute materials made the package look drab. However, the truth of the matter was that the white package was introduced to modernize the label and to increase the appeal of the package among female smokers; market studies showed that the green package was not found attractive to women smokers who had become an important consumer of tobacco products. The war effort became a convenient way to make the product more marketable while appearing as patriotic at the same time.

In 1978 and 1994, export rights and U.S. rights were purchased by Brown & Williamson. In 1996, filtered styles were launched in San Francisco, but it was not until 1999 that they were available all over the United States.

In late 2006 both the Full Flavored and Light filtered varieties of Lucky Strike cigarettes were discontinued in North America. However, Lucky Strike will continue to have marketing and distribution support in territories controlled by British American Tobacco as a global drive brand. In addition, R.J. Reynolds continues to market the original, non-filter Lucky Strikes in the United States. Lucky Strikes currently have a small but very loyal base of smokers.

	1937 Lucky Strike Cigarettes Advertisement COFFEE MUG
	"This Amazing 15 oz coffee mug is perfect for that morning cup of joe. Ceramic mug with crisp clear images that will not fade with washing. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the morning with your favorite images...

	1937 Vintage Lucky Strike CBS Radio Ad Metal Cigarette Case ID Holder Wallet
	A Great Product Meant To Last A Lifetime! An amazing metal case that holds credit or ID cards, business cards, or cigarettes. A high quality design meant to last a lifetime. It snaps closed for added protection against loss and weather...

	1940 Tobacco Expert Bill Currin Photo Lucky Strike Cigarette Print Ad (22666)
	An original vintage magazine ad print from the year published. Print ads make unique gift items that can be framed as artwork. Shipped flat un-framed in plastic sleeve with backing board.

	Court TV: Tobacco on Trial [VHS]
	This video traces the history of Carter vs. Brown & Williamson, also known as the lawsuit brought against "Big Tobacco." Grady Carter initiated the lawsuit after learning he had developed lung cancer in 1991...

	Vintage Tobacco Films - Dangers of Cigarettes and Cigarette Smoking, Nicotine, CIgarette Commericals, Smoking Related Cancer, Tobacco Industry Advertising and More
	This DVD explores smoking in the mid 20th century through a variety of films discussing the health risks of smoking counterbalanced by a variety of commericals promoting smoking to the tv viewing audience...

	Classic Lucky Strike Cigarette Commercial Featuring Frank Sinatra on DVD: Historic Lucky Strike Tobacco Ad, Promotional, Commercial With Old Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra
	What a great little piece from the beginning of the 1950's! Frank Sinatra sings "Stardust" and Lucky Strike later explains how they make the best cigarettes in the world. Great music and great information! This rare Sinatra find is perfect for Sinatra fans and an interesting piece of America's tobacco heritage...

	Lucky Lanes Bowling Shirt Green & White Classic
	Feeling lucky punk? You should when you wear this stylish screen-printed bowling shirt. Your friends will be green with envy when you sport this lucky number!

	Retro Hand Made LUCKY STRIKE Billfold / ID Holder Cigarette Case
	Join the swanky and suave with your new Cigarette Case! No more slumming, for you Sweetheart, now you're part of the upper crust! Each case holds about 1/2 pack of your favorite smokes. Non-smoker? Use it to carry credit cards, cash, ID or anything else your little smoke-free heart desires.