Number 20, Mysterious Confederacy, from the Tricks with Cards series (N138) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1887

"Number 20, Mysterious Confederacy," is a trade card from the "Tricks with Cards" series, created in 1887 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their "Honest Long Cut" tobacco brand. The card displays a grid of 16 playing cards, each depicted individually in a small frame against a dark brown background, making them appear as though they are being presented for a magic trick. The text beneath the cards describes a magic trick, "Mysterious Confederacy," where a performer can guess which card a spectator has selected. This card exemplifies the use of trade cards to advertise products in the late 19th century. The card is a fascinating example of how art was used for advertising, with its combination of visual appeal and entertaining content.