What are Christmas Crackers?
In 1847, almost by accident, Tom Smith invented the cracker. It was a simple idea which became an integral part of British celebration and tradition which still continues today, 150 years on.
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How Christmas Crackers Were Invented
It was the 'crackling' sound a log makes when throwing it onto a fire that gave Tom Smith the inspiration for the 'crackle' or 'pop' sound Crackers are known for. A ' crackle' would add the necessary
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How Christmas Crackers Have Evolved
At the turn of the Century the demand for crackers and especially those which celebrated current trends and events, was high. After Tom Smith's death, his three sons set about developing the cracker d
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Tom Smith Early History
In early 1830, Tom Smith started work as a young boy in a bakers and ornamental confectioners shop in London. He sold sweets such as fondants, pralines and gum pastilles. He worked hard and took
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Tom Smith from 1847 to the Millennium
Tom Smith, owned by Brite Sparks in Wales, now exports crackers worldwide to 34 countries including the USA, Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong and Japan. Although much of the work in making crackers
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Tom Smith 1916 Catalog Covers
These two catalog covers were printed in 1916 during the time of World War 1.
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Tom Smith 1922 Catalog Cover
This catalog cover was printed in 1922.
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Tom Smith 1940 Catalog Cover
This catalog cover was printed in 1940.
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Variety of Tom Smith Designs
Tom Smith made wonderful crackers. In the early days there was an extremely large variety of specialist boxes including Wedgwood Art Crackers from original designs by permission of Josiah Wedgwo
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