The Old Oaken Bucket, from the Illustrated Songs series (N116) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1893

This trade card, “The Old Oaken Bucket,” was part of the “Illustrated Songs” series created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Honest Long Cut Tobacco in 1893. It depicts a woman standing by a well, holding a bucket, likely referencing the popular American folk song “The Old Oaken Bucket.” These trade cards were commonly used in the late 19th century to advertise products and were often printed with colorful illustrations, making them collectible items. The card’s use of bright colors and romanticized imagery, typical of the era, appealed to the popular taste and furthered the marketing of the tobacco brand. The card is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection in New York City.