Staff Orderly, Sweden, 1886, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This colorful lithograph, “Staff Orderly, Sweden, 1886,” is part of the “Military Series” issued by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. Created in 1888, the card depicts a Swedish staff orderly in full uniform against a red, yellow, and gold background. The intricate details of the soldier’s uniform, including the helmet, sword, and boots, were likely drawn from the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company’s research into military attire. The card exemplifies the use of trade cards as a form of advertising during the late 19th century.