Card Number 393, Maude Stafford, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-5) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This is a "trade card" from the 1880s, which was a popular form of advertising in the late 19th century. This particular card is part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Cameo Cigarettes. The card features an image of Maude Stafford, a popular actress of the time, standing in a theatrical pose. These cards were collected by consumers and are now highly sought-after by collectors of ephemera and early advertising. The image is a black and white photograph, which is typical for the era. The composition is simple, with Stafford standing against a backdrop of foliage. The card is small in size, typical for the time, making it easy to carry and collect. This card is currently part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.