Originally introduced in 1954 by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Winston quickly became one of the top selling cigarette brands and owing to the slogan "Winston tastes good like a cigarette should," it became the number one cigarette sold in the world by 1966, a position it held until 1972. That's the story of the cigarette but the radio is a little more of a mystery. A Hong Kong version made made it onto the market that was introduced in the 1970's (plastic box painted) along with some beer company names on cigarette packets? But this little beauty looks to be a little older as the design is a little different.
Inside the packet lid
It's in a plastic box with a cardboard outside, making it look a little more realistic, the 70's one had a speaker in the front with holes disrupting the Winston name. But in my find the holes are in the rear it looks to be perhaps a company promotion one from around 1966 when small radios were more in-vogue. It arrived faulty with a wire having become detached from the tuning capacitor which I soon soldered back and bingo, she's back in action. Television commercials from the 1950's can be found on-line and even a Fred Flintsone radio add. I can't find another like this anywhere, so if anyone knows more please get in touch.
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