King Rail, from the Game Birds series (N40) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888 - 1890

"King Rail" is a chromolithograph from the "Game Birds" series, produced by Allen & Ginter for their Richmond Straight Cut No. 1 cigarettes between 1888 and 1890. This series of cards, intended as trade cards to be included in cigarette packs, featured illustrations of various game birds, with the "King Rail" depicting a bird perched on a shoreline. The illustration showcases vibrant colors and intricate detail, typical of the chromolithographic printing technique popular in the late 19th century. The card is a fascinating example of how commercial products were used to popularize natural history, serving as a valuable resource for bird identification and appreciation.