Wings Cigarettes Premium

Q:         I have about 100 different-colored airplane cards that were packaged in Wings cigarettes during World War II. They picture U.S. and Royal Air Force warplanes with identification and other information on the back. The cards are 2 by 2 1/2 inches. What are they worth?

A:         Wings cigarettes were first made by Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. of Louisville, Ky., in 1929. The company sponsored a radio show called “Wings of Destiny” from 1940 to 1942, and the cards were issued as premiums in cigarette packs during those years. They are part of a series called “Modern American Airplanes.” There were three sets of cards with 50 cards in each set. The company originally intended to issue just one set, but later decided to issue two more. The sets are labeled A, B or C, although not all of the first set had a letter code. Cards from the first set are harder to find than those from later sets. The cards, in good condition, sell for about $1 to $2 each today.