H.W. Beecher, from the series Great Americans (N76) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This is a color lithograph from the *Great Americans* series of trading cards issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Duke brand cigarettes. The card, printed in 1888, features a portrait of Henry Ward Beecher, a prominent American clergyman and social reformer of the 19th century. The image depicts Beecher in a formal pose, with a book and quill pen in the foreground. The inscription "W. Duke, Sons & Co. - The Largest Manufacturers Cigarette Man. In the World," at the bottom of the card, highlights the company's marketing strategy of associating their product with influential figures. The card's small size (7 × 3.8 cm) suggests its use as a collectible item for smokers of the time.