Brigadier General, United States Army, 1886, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

Curator: Here we have “Brigadier General, United States Army, 1886," a print from the Military Series issued by the Kinney Tobacco Company around 1888. These were included in packs of Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. Editor: It's interesting. My first thought is how…crisp he looks. Everything is so sharply delineated. A strong, unwavering pose, quite formal. And look at the fabric texture; one can almost feel the weight of the material and embroidery. Curator: The image, while appearing somewhat stiff to our modern eyes, served a distinct purpose. These cards were essentially trading cards. They encouraged brand loyalty through collectible imagery. The generals represent a romanticized view of military authority. Editor: A means to associate tobacco consumption with masculine power, no doubt. Notice the lithographic process— layers of ink laid down to build form. The gold tassels seem particularly emphasized; the value and process suggesting prestige by association. Did these cards have some actual collectible value at the time, or were they just ephemera? Curator: Both, actually! While intended as promotional items, they quickly became collectables. It created a whole micro-economy. These series offer valuable insight into the socio-political climate and popular obsessions of the late 19th century. This image provided a way to participate in patriotic pride through consumption. Editor: A commodity, meant to be used up quickly, as a carrier for an idea about social status and political structure. I also wonder about the printing process, specifically regarding color separation, how laborers divided tasks and how the materials were chosen... Curator: Precisely. A fascinating intersection of commerce, craft, and military history all neatly packaged in a small card. A snapshot of an era. Editor: Absolutely. The image initially feels so removed and stylized but understanding the full material and cultural conditions opens into an important artifact.