Card Number 172, Miss Jerome, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This trade card, part of the *Actors and Actresses* series, features a bust-length portrait of Miss Jerome, likely an actress or performer of the time. The card was issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co., to promote their *Cross Cut Cigarettes* brand in the 1880s. The image is printed in black and white, typical of the era, and showcases a common marketing strategy of using celebrity endorsements to increase product popularity. This trade card is a small but significant piece of ephemera, offering a glimpse into the world of advertising and entertainment in the late 19th century.