***** A DESIGN CLASSIC *****

 John Player first started selling tobacco in the mid 1800's, his business really took off after buying an existing tobacco factory in Nottingham in 1877. He purchased this famous trademark of the sailor's head in 1883 from another tobacco company and added the lifebelt in 1888 and the two war ships in 1891. However the design did vary over the years, finally being standardized in 1927. Folklore has it that the likeness of the sailor is thought to be a man called Thomas Huntley who died in 1951. The company became part of "ITC" in 1901, in response to competitive threats from the USA.

The sign has an embossed convex lifebelt frame, ten mounting holes around the circumference, bears the "Regd Trade Mark No. 154011" on the inside edge of the lifebelt and says "Issued by The Imperial Tobacco Company (of Great Britain & Ireland) Limited" on the outside edge.

The sign is in very good condition, with some minor faults, the pictures below tell the full story.

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