Oyster Sloop, from the Types of Vessels series (N139) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1889

"Oyster Sloop" is a colorful lithograph from the *Types of Vessels* series, produced in 1889 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Honest Long Cut Tobacco. This small-scale print depicts an oyster sloop, a type of sailing vessel used for oyster harvesting, with its sail billowing in the wind, suggesting the movement of the ship across the water. It's a fine example of trade cards, a popular form of advertising in the 19th century, which often featured engaging illustrations. The card showcases the artistry of the tobacco company and exemplifies the use of nautical imagery in marketing. The image is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.