Order of Saint Hubert, Bavaria, from the World's Decorations series (N44) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

Allen & Ginter created this lithograph of the Order of Saint Hubert of Bavaria as part of their World’s Decorations series in the late 19th century. These cards were included in cigarette packs, reflecting an era when tobacco companies used collectible items to boost sales. This image offers insight into the social and institutional values of the time. The Order of Saint Hubert, named after the patron saint of hunters, was a chivalric order associated with nobility and the Bavarian monarchy. Its prominent display on a commercial card suggests an aspiration to associate the everyday act of smoking with prestige and aristocracy. The imagery of the Order evokes a sense of tradition, loyalty, and social hierarchy. For historians, understanding this image involves exploring the history of chivalric orders, the social dynamics of 19th-century Europe, and the marketing strategies of early tobacco companies. Examining such sources reveals the complex interplay between social status, commercial interests, and visual culture.