Pikeman, Palace Guard, Turkey, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 lithograph, created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, depicts a Turkish palace guard. The card was part of a larger series created by the Kinney Tobacco Company to promote their Sweet Caporal cigarettes. The guard is depicted in full uniform, complete with a red coat, a yellow sash, and a tall, ornate hat. He holds a spear, a standard weapon of palace guards. The card is a good example of the type of promotional material that was used in the late 19th century. This card is a piece of American commercial art that showcases the history of military uniforms and the history of tobacco advertising.