Calais, from the City Flags series (N6) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This small card, made by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brand, features the flag of Calais above a view of the harbor. Produced in the United States during the late 19th century, this image speaks to the growth of global trade and the rise of consumer culture. The flag itself, a white Nordic cross on a blue field, evokes a complicated history of conquest and shifting national allegiances. What could this symbol mean to the average smoker? Allen & Ginter hoped to foster a sense of cosmopolitan sophistication. By collecting and trading these cards, smokers could learn about faraway places. We can research popular periodicals, world's fair ephemera, and the company's advertising campaigns to understand this historical moment more fully. This image reminds us that even the most everyday objects can offer insights into social and institutional histories.