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

"Steam Launch" is a chromolithograph from the "Types of Vessels" series, printed in 1889 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their "Honest Long Cut" tobacco. The image depicts a steam-powered launch with a white awning and an American flag flying in the wind. This colorful and detailed artwork is typical of the trade cards popular in the late 19th century, which were often used as promotional materials for a variety of products. The "Types of Vessels" series, featuring various watercraft, showcases the company's innovative marketing strategies and emphasizes the importance of maritime transportation in the era of industrialization.