James J. "Jumbo" Davis, 3rd Base, Kansas City Cowboys, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is a baseball card from the Old Judge series, made by Goodwin & Company in New York around 1888. It features James J. “Jumbo” Davis, the third baseman for the Kansas City Cowboys. These cards were originally included in packs of Old Judge Cigarettes, reflecting the commercial culture of the late 19th century when advertising and consumerism were rapidly expanding. Baseball itself was emerging as a popular national pastime, and figures like Davis became early celebrities. Note the word 'Copyrighted' written on the card, a testament to growing awareness of intellectual property and the commodification of images at that time. To truly understand this card, we could explore the history of baseball, advertising, and the tobacco industry, drawing on resources like newspaper archives, business records, and cultural studies. It's a fascinating intersection of sport, commerce, and early image culture.