A Short History: Admiral David D. Porter, from the Histories of Generals series (N114) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco 1888

This 1888 trade card from W. Duke, Sons & Co. features a portrait of Admiral David D. Porter, a prominent figure in the American Civil War. The card is part of the “Histories of Generals” series, produced by the tobacco company to promote their Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco brand. The card showcases a colorful, illustrative style with a portrait of the admiral, a depiction of a naval battle and a cannon on a deck. The card exemplifies the use of trade cards as a marketing tool in the 19th century, combining imagery and text to promote the company’s products.