Steamship Buffalo, Wilson Line, from the Ocean and River Steamers series (N83) for Duke brand cigarettes 1887

"Steamship Buffalo, Wilson Line" is a colorful lithograph from the "Ocean and River Steamers" series of trading cards produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in 1887 to promote Duke brand cigarettes. The card depicts a side view of the steamship against a blue sky with a banner proclaiming the "Wilson Line" above. Two flags, one British and one Japanese, appear to the left of the ship, a detail which could be interpreted as an indication of the ship's routes or connections. The card is also framed by a brown, slightly faded border, with the image of a woman in a hat to the right. These types of "trade cards" were popular marketing tools in the 19th century, and this particular card provides a glimpse into the world of steamships and the growing international trade at the time.