Lobster, from the Fish from American Waters series (N8) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This is a ‘Lobster’ card, one of a series called ‘Fish from American Waters’ printed by Allen & Ginter for inclusion in cigarette packs. These cards, like others from the period, served to advertise brands and promote collecting. The late nineteenth century witnessed rapid industrialization and urbanization in America. As cities grew, so did the desire for easily accessible information about the natural world. Cards like this one offered a glimpse into the diversity of American wildlife, packaged with a product that was becoming increasingly popular. This card is a mass-produced image, and its value lies not in its artistic merit but in its role as a cultural artifact reflecting the interests and values of the time. Researchers can explore the cultural context of these cards by looking into advertising history, popular culture studies, and the history of science and natural history. Understanding the social and institutional context helps us interpret the meaning and significance of these seemingly simple images.