Tracking down the story behind a ghost sign.

Now this is not Manchester but then ghost signs know no geographical barriers and so here courtesy of Ron Stubley are two fine examples, from Bedford taken in 2012.

Boveril I grew up with and the product is still around today, but Grey’s cigarettes have long gone.

I went looking for their history and pretty much drew a blank.  They were around during the Great War and I think will probably stretch back into the 19th century, but that has yet to be confirmed.

Of course there will be someone who knows so I await them getting in touch.
And no sooner had the story been posted than I got an answer from
Furness Vale Local History Society,*

"Grey's cigarettes were manufactured by Major Drapkin & Co in London. 

This company founded in 1897 appears to be a subsidary of United Kingdom Tobacco Company. The Grace's Guide website shows adverts dated from1919 to 1953. 

The later packaging, in small slim tins showed a coat of arms of The Royal Scots Greys. 

The manufacturers at that time were Godfrey Philips Ltd of London, possibly under contract to the product owners. 

In 1916 Major Drapkin donated 30,000 cigarettes to soldiers taking part in the Lord Mayor's Procession." 

So thank you Furness Vale and of course Ron.

*Furness Vale Local History Society, http://furnesshistory.blogspot.co.uk/

Picture; Western Street Bedford, 2012, courtesy of Ron Stubley