Bart Roberts, Trying Deserters, from the Pirates of the Spanish Main series (N19) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1886 - 1891

This colorful, illustrated card from the “Pirates of the Spanish Main” series depicts the infamous pirate Bart Roberts. The card is part of the popular “N19” set issued by Allen & Ginter, a company well-known for producing trading cards that were given away with cigarette packs in the late 19th century. The card depicts Roberts in a scene of him "trying deserters." The card was created between 1886 and 1891 and is now located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The card is a classic example of American "trade card" art, a popular form of advertising in the 19th century that featured illustrations of historical events, popular culture, and other themes.