Veteran, 7th Regiment, New York State Militia, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This is a trade card from the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company promoting their Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. It depicts a veteran of the 7th Regiment of the New York State Militia, in full uniform, holding a sword. The card was part of a series created in 1888 as a marketing tool to promote the brand. The illustration is in the style of lithography and highlights the details of the veteran's military attire. The card is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This collectible is a great example of how commercial art was utilized in the late 19th century.