1908 | William Hogg | Sunderland AFC, Rangers & England | John Sinclair Cigarettes Ltd | Football Favourites #63 | PSA 4.5 POP 1 Highest grade

Step into Edwardian football history with this super rare 1908 Football Favourites tobacco card featuring William “Billy” Hogg, legendary winger for Sunderland AFC and England. Issued by John Sinclair Ltd. of Newcastle-on-Tyne, this card is part of one of the earliest football-themed tobacco series produced in the North East — a regional counterpoint to London-based publishers like Ogden’s and Taddy.

Encapsulated and graded PSA 4.5 (VG-EX), this sepia-toned collectible showcases Hogg in his Sunderland kit, with ornate typography and vertical publisher branding. The reverse (as seen on companion cards) features a striking advertisement for Barneys Ideal Tobacco, adding rich period detail.

Historical Significance

• Player Legacy: William Hogg made 281 appearances for Sunderland between 1899–1909, scoring 82 goals and winning the Football League title in 1901–02. He earned 3 England caps in 1902 and later won three Scottish League titles with Rangers.
• Regional Provenance: Published by John Sinclair Ltd., a Newcastle tobacco firm, this card reflects the Tyne-Wear football rivalry in its very production — a Sunderland star featured by a Tyneside manufacturer.
• Collector Appeal: Scarce in any condition, and especially rare in PSA-graded form. A must-have for collectors of Sunderland AFC memorabilia, Edwardian football history, or early tobacco ephemera.

Year 1908
Player William “Billy” Hogg
Club Sunderland AFC
Publisher John Sinclair Ltd.
Series Football Favourites
Card Number #63
Grading Company PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
Grade VG-EX 4.5
Certification Number 103289634
Card Type Tobacco Insert
Region Newcastle-on-Tyne, UK