Card Number 325, Laura Burt, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-5) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card for Duke’s Cameo Cigarettes, featuring actress Laura Burt, and was produced in the United States between 1870 and 1920. Trading cards like this one offer a fascinating window into the social and cultural history of the period. The image of Laura Burt, an actress, connects the product with the glamorous world of entertainment and celebrity culture. In the late 19th century, the rise of mass media and consumer culture saw the emergence of new advertising strategies. Tobacco companies like Duke used these cards as a way to market their products to a wider audience, including women, who were increasingly becoming consumers of tobacco. The cards were collected and traded, helping to spread the company's brand and message. By studying these cards, alongside newspapers, theater programs, and company records, we can gain insights into the social and economic forces that shaped popular culture and consumer habits during this time.