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

Curator: Here we have a piece titled "Duelling Pistol," part of the "Arms of All Nations" series. It was produced in 1887 by Allen & Ginter as part of their cigarette card collection. It is currently part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: Immediately striking. The figures seem like caricatures, their clothes too elaborate and their poses dramatic for such a mundane subject as firearm advertisement. Is this commenting on class, or is there another agenda at play here? Curator: These cards, common at the time, often portrayed a range of subjects, from actresses to sports figures, even weaponry, aimed at appealing to a broad consumer base. They acted as collectibles while advertising the brand. I believe in this image, a clear attempt is being made to sanitize firearms for a new target market. Editor: Interesting point. It seems to present a romanticized view of dueling, almost a harmless game between gentlemen rather than a violent conflict rooted in societal power dynamics. By minimizing conflict between them the cigarette company promotes this as not dangerous and glamorous fun! I suppose glamour sells better than, say, preventable death. Curator: Precisely. It normalizes firearm culture under the guise of genteel history, targeting a newly affluent consumer class eager to acquire a cultured veneer, this helps establish and validate a sort of moral authority around weapon ownership. Editor: It's fascinating how it subtly encodes violence within a framework of acceptable behavior, especially concerning consumerism. What better way to introduce violence as a commodity to that very group than through cigarettes of all things! Curator: Well, perhaps these pocket-sized prints helped to ensure Allen & Ginter's product remained front-of-mind with consumers, reinforcing their market presence through visual appeal and cultural association. It also helped them solidify a position with historical reverence and "authority." Editor: It's amazing how such a small item encapsulates such vast societal trends, especially when viewed through the lens of power, gender, and violence. Thanks for expanding my view, this cigarette card holds much more weight now. Curator: And thank you, you've reminded me that what we consider inconsequential historical ephemera often contains within it echoes of much larger power structures.