Order of the Indian Empire, Great Britain, from the World's Decorations series (N44) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This chromolithograph, part of the "World's Decorations" series, was produced by Allen & Ginter in 1890 as a trade card for their brand of cigarettes. The card depicts the Order of the Indian Empire, a British order of chivalry established in 1878 to recognize service to the British Raj. The highly detailed artwork features a central image of the medal with a crown and a rose, surrounded by intricate ornamentation and a caption identifying the medal. This card is an example of the trade card, a popular form of advertising in the late 19th century.