Private, Ancient and Honorable Artillery, Boston, Massachusetts, V.M., from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This is a trade card created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote their Sweet Caporal cigarettes. The card features a stylized depiction of a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, which is the oldest military organization in the United States, dating back to 1637. The card showcases the organization's rich history and heritage, associating it with the brand's image of tradition and quality. This piece of ephemera is a great example of how companies used artistic imagery to promote their products in the late 19th century.