Étoile, Gaietee, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a trading card, printed by Allen & Ginter, from their famous Actors and Actresses series. The card features Étoile, Gaieté, a performer, posed as a fairy with wings, and surrounded by a crescent moon and stars. These cards were given away with packs of Virginia Brights cigarettes in the late 19th century. These small-scale, illustrated, collectible cards are examples of early Americana and are sought by collectors today.