General, Pomeranian Cuirassiers, Germany, 1886, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This trade card, created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1888, is part of their "Military Series" promoting Sweet Caporal cigarettes. It features a portrait of Prince Otto von Bismarck, the German Chancellor, in his military uniform as General of the Pomeranian Cuirassiers. The card's simple design and clear text, typical of trade cards from the late 19th century, highlights the powerful imagery of military leadership to advertise the brand. The card is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering a glimpse into the history of tobacco advertising and the cultural influence of the German military.