Colonel, 6th Regiment, Massachusetts, V.M., from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This is a trade card from the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, created in 1888 to promote Sweet Caporal cigarettes. The card depicts a Colonel in full uniform from the 6th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. This type of illustration was common in the late 19th century, with companies using collectible cards to advertise their products. The card is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, a testament to the historical significance of these early forms of advertising. The card exemplifies the "trade card" genre of art, which was prevalent in the late 19th century.