May Leicester, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a collectible card from the "Actors and Actresses" series, produced by Allen & Ginter to promote Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The card features a portrait of actress May Leicester, in a simple pose, holding a mirror up to her face. The card is part of a set of trading cards that were distributed with packs of cigarettes. These cards became popular collectibles, and are now highly sought after by collectors. The image is a black and white photograph printed on a small card. It is considered an example of advertising ephemera and an important part of the history of collecting.