Messrs. Smith and Keen, Tobacco Manufacturers, Hanley

"The above old-established house has enjoyed a first-class reputation for the last seventy years. Originally started in an unpretentious way, it soon developed manufacturing resources of considerable importance and although a counter trade is still conducted in the familiar premises at 48 and 50, Bryan Street, the business is mainly of a wholesale character, tobacconists, publicans, grocers and other tradesmen for miles around coming here regularly for their supplies of the harmless necessary weed.

To the rear of the spacious shop, Messrs. Smith and Keen have an extensive factory, equipped with every convenience and a good plant of machinery for carrying on the manufacture. They turn out all kinds of shag, cavendish, mixture, birds-eye and other cut tobaccos, as well as many packet specialities, with which the firm's name is widely associated.

The manufacture of twist tobacco is a special and increasing feature of their trade, and the machinery in this department is of the most modern description, enabling the firm to supply in a very satisfactory manner the several grades of pigtail, nail rod, thick twist, target, cavendish, and Alloa roll goods. The whole of their products are guaranteed of the finest possible quality according to price, they are in extensive demand, and many of the packet goods, such as Smith and Keen's "Jack's Delight," "Old John," "Potter's Pride," "Lily Smoking Mixture," "Honey Bee," "Bright Flake Virginia," "Golden Ball Tabac," &c., &c., admittedly possess merits of quite and exceptional character.

For the convenience of their customers, the firm stock and supply the packet tobaccos of all the leading manufacturers, together with the best Scotch "S.P.," "S.P." Rutter's, Wilson's "SS.," and Arnold's snuffs, and British and Havana cigars in great variety. The stock in the last-mentioned connection includes such well-known brands as Flor de Mejicanas, Legitimidad, Flor de Henry Clay, Flor de Murias, Larranaga, Cabanas, La Intimidad, Gutierrez, Fiadema, Flor de Cananas, and the like.

All orders receive the promptest attention, Messrs. Smith and Keen's own vans delivering to each of the Pottery towns, and the firm are generally noted for their straightforward dealings, and the liberal treatment of large or small purchasers."  
 

From: A descriptive account of The Potteries (illustrated)
1893 advertising and trade journal. Page 25