Private, Maryland State Militia, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph, "Private, Maryland State Militia", is part of the "Military Series" issued by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote their Sweet Caporal cigarettes. The artwork, featuring a soldier in a blue uniform and helmet, holding a rifle, stands out against a colorful background of intersecting lines and concentric circles. This trade card, measuring only 2 3/4 × 1 1/2 inches, was part of a larger set that showcased various military units, providing a glimpse into the military culture and marketing strategies of the late 19th century. The card, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the enduring appeal of collectible items, particularly those that connect us to the past.