Number 18, Inseparable Couples, from the Tricks with Cards series (N138) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1887

This card, 'Number 18, Inseparable Couples,' was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the 20th century, as a promotional item for Honest Long Cut Tobacco. Made of thin, printed cardstock, it’s a far cry from traditional art materials. The card's design illustrates a simple card trick, twenty cards dealt in couples with instructions written below. The colors are flat and utilitarian, reflecting its mass-produced nature. This wasn't about artistic expression; it was about commerce. The company understood the value of these small collectables. The cards were strategically placed to increase sales, subtly encouraging brand loyalty and repeat purchases. The imagery and text, though simple, were carefully chosen to appeal to a wide audience. It blurs the line between marketing and visual culture. Ultimately, understanding the object's purpose and the context in which it was made helps us see beyond its surface, revealing connections between consumerism, labor, and popular culture.