Royal Guard, Germany, 1886, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This is a chromolithograph trading card from the Military Series issued by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1888 to promote their Sweet Caporal cigarettes. The card depicts a Royal Guard from Germany in 1886, standing at attention with his rifle. The card is an example of trade cards, a form of advertising popular in the 19th century that used colorful illustrations to promote products. The card is also a valuable source of information about the military uniforms and weapons of the period. The image of the soldier standing tall in his uniform is a powerful symbol of military strength and pride.