Blunderbuss, from the Arms of All Nations series (N3) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This small chromolithograph of a rider on horseback, ‘Blunderbuss’ by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, was part of a series called "Arms of All Nations." These cards were once tucked into cigarette packs as collectibles, at a time when smoking was becoming increasingly widespread and brands were competing fiercely for consumers. The series reflects the late 19th century fascination with exoticism and militarism. The rider, adorned in what appears to be historical European garb, carries a blunderbuss rifle, an emblem of power and control. During the 1880s, when this card was made, the United States saw a surge in industrialization but also rising concerns about immigration and social order. Images like this one likely contributed to a romanticized view of authority, even as they advertised a product linked to addiction and health risks. The card presents a vision of masculinity and strength, one that might have appealed to smokers of the time, inviting them to participate in a narrative of power and adventure. It highlights the complex relationships between commerce, identity, and cultural values.