Minister of Marine, Russia, from the Naval Flags series (N17) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886 - 1891

This is a collectible card from the "Naval Flags" series, produced by Allen & Ginter, a cigarette company based in Richmond, Virginia. These cards were distributed with cigarette packs as a marketing strategy. They offered a glimpse into global cultures, highlighting the naval flags of different countries. In this card, we see the flag of the Minister of Marine of Russia, set against a backdrop of ships at sea and a fiery sunset. What stories do these symbols carry, when we consider the legacy of colonialism, nationalism, and the power dynamics between nations? The Naval Flags series served to educate and entertain consumers, but also subtly promoted ideas about national identity, trade, and the global reach of empires, inviting us to consider the narratives and histories embedded within these seemingly benign collectables.