Naval Reserve and Pennant, Great Britain, from the Naval Flags series (N17) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886 - 1891

This small chromolithograph, Naval Reserve and Pennant, Great Britain, was produced by Allen & Ginter, a cigarette company based in Richmond, Virginia. Part of a series of naval flags issued as collectible cards, it reflects the late 19th century’s fascination with maritime power and the expansionist ambitions of the British Empire. The prominent display of the Union Jack, billowing in the wind, evokes a sense of pride and authority, yet the card also raises questions about national identity and representation. For whom was this image intended to inspire a sense of belonging? What stories of colonial exploitation and military dominance are obscured by this patriotic imagery? The inclusion of the company’s name suggests that it was intended to cultivate a sense of national pride in its customers. By circulating these images of national symbols, Allen & Ginter was complicit in shaping cultural attitudes towards empire and patriotism. The image is thus a reminder of the complex relationship between consumer culture, national identity, and imperial power.