Auction Name: 2026 March 19 Non-Sports Trading Cards Showcase Extended Bidding Auction

Lot Number: 73046

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/43231*73046

1940-1942 Wings Cigarettes Card Assortment: 1940 Wings Modern American Airplanes No Letter Series (T87) 43 Cards - 1940 Wings Modern American Airplanes Series A (T87a) 42 Cards - 1941 Wings Modern Airplanes Series B (T87b) 47 Cards - 1942 Wings Modern Airplanes Series C (T87c) 24 Cards - 156 Total Cards .
The 1940-1942 Wings Cigarettes Modern American Airplanes card assortment (T87 and its subsequent series) represents one of the most comprehensive pre-World War II aviation-themed tobacco issues, chronicling the rapid evolution of American aircraft at a pivotal moment in history. Produced by Wings Cigarettes, the series blends richly colored lithographic artwork with detailed technical descriptions, celebrating military and civilian aircraft just as global conflict was reshaping aviation technology. Across four distinct printings, the set captures the transition from peacetime innovation to wartime mobilization, making it both a visually striking and historically significant collectible.

The 1940 Wings Modern American Airplanes No Letter Series (T87) serves as the foundation of the issue, featuring early aircraft subjects rendered in bold, clean layouts with descriptive backs outlining specifications and operational roles. This original printing, often referred to as the "No Letter" series due to the absence of alphabetical designation on the reverse, is prized for its status as the inaugural release and for its classic prewar tobacco-card aesthetic.

Later in 1940, the Series A (T87a) expanded the checklist with additional aircraft as American production intensified. By 1941, Series B (T87b) reflected further technological advances and the increasing emphasis on military preparedness, documenting newer fighter and bomber designs entering service. The progression of artwork and subject matter across these issues mirrors the nation's accelerating industrial and aviation development.

The final installment, 1942 Series C (T87c), emerged during the United States' full engagement in World War II, showcasing aircraft that embodied the country's wartime capability. Together, the four series form a cohesive and historically layered collection, sought after for their vivid artwork, technical content, and their unique place at the intersection of tobacco-card production and early 1940s aviation history.

Offered here are 156 cards from the various releases of the Wings Cigarettes series:

1940 Wings Modern American Airplanes No Letter Series (T87):
43 cards.

1940 Wings Modern American Airplanes Series A (T87a):
42 cards.

1941 Wings Modern Airplanes Series B (T87b):
47 cards.

1942 Wings Modern Airplanes Series C (T87c):
24 cards.

The ungraded cards exhibit moderate handling wear, including some softened or rounded corners and minor surface wear consistent with age. Some cards show centering variations, but overall image quality remains strong.

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