Bancroft, U.S.N., from the Famous Ships series (N50) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1895

This sepia-toned photograph, part of the "Famous Ships" series for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, depicts the U.S. Navy ship "Bancroft." Created in 1895 by the tobacco company Allen & Ginter, the small card features a detailed image of the ship, complete with masts, rigging, and even a small lifeboat. The artwork is part of a larger collection that aimed to showcase the U.S. Navy's vessels, capitalizing on the public's interest in military prowess and the growing popularity of collecting trading cards.