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

This is a chromolithograph, printed by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette packs. The card is from their "Arms of All Nations" series, featuring military imagery with a focus on the tools of warfare. This card is a classic example of chromolithography, a process involving multiple stones to transfer colours onto paper. Look closely, and you can see the slight misalignments of the colour separations - a reminder of the human labor involved. It's fascinating how commercial brands have used printmaking techniques to produce collectible items. In the late 19th century, these cards were essentially miniature billboards, tucked into packs of cigarettes to stiffen them and entice consumers. What's interesting is how this form of production blurs the line between art, advertising and consumerism, turning everyday objects into collectible artworks. The very act of collecting these cards speaks volumes about the values and interests of the time, reflecting a society fascinated by military prowess, national identity, and the burgeoning consumer culture. It makes you wonder what kind of cultural artifacts we're creating today.