Crown Order of Wuertemberg, Germany, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 chromolithograph from the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company is part of a series of "Military" trading cards given away with Sweet Caporal cigarettes. The card depicts the Crown Order of Württemberg, a German military decoration, illustrated with a white cross surrounded by a red circle and topped by a crown and a red ribbon. The detailed image is a beautiful example of the chromolithographic technique used to print these cards, which were collected by smokers during the late 19th century. The small size of the card, 2 3/4 by 1 1/2 inches, meant it was easily stored and traded. This piece is currently part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City.