Commander, United States Navy, 1886, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph, part of the "Military Series" of trading cards issued by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, depicts a uniformed Commander of the United States Navy in 1886. The card's small size, typical of trade cards, makes it an excellent example of the late 19th-century trend of using collectible items to advertise products. The image's simple yet detailed style, typical of chromolithographic illustrations, creates a sense of realism while promoting the military strength and authority associated with the Navy. The use of vivid colors and striking details, such as the officer's uniform and the gold lettering, emphasizes the prestige of the Sweet Caporal brand. The card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, is a testament to the power of visual communication in advertising.