Card Number 171, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is a trade card from the 1880s issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Cross Cut Cigarettes. The card depicts a woman in a bathing suit standing against a rocky background. The card is a prime example of trade cards, a popular form of advertising in the 19th century. The use of a glamorous woman in the card was a common tactic used to entice potential customers. The card is a fascinating glimpse into the history of advertising and consumer culture in the late 19th century, with its connection to the popular pastime of smoking. The image is a carte de visite, a popular photographic format during this period.