Redeemer, Greece, from the World's Decorations series (N44) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This small chromolithograph from Allen & Ginter Cigarettes depicts the Order of the Redeemer, the Greek decoration for military and civilian merit. It's part of a series called "World's Decorations," created to be collected by consumers; but it also speaks to the rise of global trade in the late 19th century. These cards were designed as promotional material to be included in packages of cigarettes, and they give us insight into the history of marketing and advertising strategies. The company, Allen & Ginter, was one of the first to employ the tactic of inserting collectible cards to boost sales. Here, the Greek order is presented as one item in a world of possible acquisitions, not dissimilar to the tobacco being sold. Studying Allen & Ginter's business practices, the political economy of tobacco farming, and the history of collecting, help us understand how this image participated in a broader moment of American industry and consumer culture.