Coat of Arms, Belgium, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This colorful lithograph, "Coat of Arms, Belgium, from the Military Series," was created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1888 to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The card features the Belgian national flag, a stylized heraldic shield with a lion, and a motto in French, "L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE" (Unity Makes Strength), along with crossed lances topped by a crown. These cards were part of a series of collectible trade cards, which were common in the late 19th century. This example is a valuable artifact from a bygone era of advertising.