Miss Patti, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This is a trade card from the 1880s featuring Adelina Patti, a famous opera singer, promoting Duke Cigarettes. This trade card was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. The company used these cards, which were often printed on the back of cigarette packs, to promote their products. This specific card, with the image of Patti in an elaborate gown, features a simple, direct advertising message that promotes Duke cigarettes as "the best." Trade cards were a popular form of advertising in the 19th century and often featured images of celebrities or famous people. This example showcases the widespread use of celebrity endorsement in advertising.