George Quintus Shoch, Right Field, Washington Nationals, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This card, featuring George Quintus Shoch of the Washington Nationals, comes to us from the late 19th century, made by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. It is a photograph printed on a small card, meant to be collected and traded. The card is a product of its time, when the mass production of images became possible through advances in photography and printing. It speaks to the rise of consumer culture, where even everyday items like cigarettes became vehicles for promotional material. The image itself, though seemingly simple, reflects the industrial processes that allowed for its creation. Think of the photographer's studio, the printing press, and the distribution networks that brought these cards to the public. The wear and tear on the card also tells a story of its own, hinting at the hands that have held it, the pockets it has been carried in, and the lives it has touched. It reminds us that even the most mass-produced objects can become imbued with personal meaning over time. It's a powerful reminder that craft is not just about the skill of the maker, but also about the connection between objects and the people who use them.