M.W. Ford, All Around Athlete, from World's Champions, Series 2 (N29) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 lithograph by Allen & Ginter depicts M.W. Ford, an all-around athlete, as part of their "World's Champions" trading card series for Allen & Ginter cigarettes. The card features a portrait of Ford, dressed in a white sleeveless undershirt and dark trousers, with his arms crossed. Below the portrait, a caption identifies Ford and details his athletic achievements, including a long jump of 23 feet 3 inches. The card is a prime example of late 19th-century American chromolithography, a printing technique using multiple lithographic stones to produce detailed and colorful images. "World's Champions" cards were popular collectibles of the era, offering a glimpse into the lives of prominent athletes and entertainers.