Commodore's Pennant, United States, from the Naval Flags series (N17) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886 - 1891

This is a cigarette card, from the 'Naval Flags' series, produced by Allen & Ginter of Richmond, Virginia. This image encapsulates late 19th century America’s burgeoning interest in national symbols and maritime power. The commodore's pennant, prominently displayed above a warship, serves as a potent emblem of naval authority and national pride. Made in a time when the US was rapidly expanding its influence, the card subtly promotes a vision of American strength. The commercial context is important. Allen & Ginter used these cards to brand their cigarettes and to appeal to consumers through colorful images. The choice of naval flags is not accidental; it taps into a patriotic sentiment, linking the pleasure of smoking with national identity. To understand this card fully, we need to consult period sources, examining both the history of naval flags and the advertising strategies of tobacco companies. This kind of research reveals how seemingly simple images were, and are, deeply embedded in complex social and economic structures.