Officer, 1st Battery, New York State Militia, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This small lithograph was published by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. Here, an officer of the 1st Battery, New York State Militia, is depicted in uniform. The saber he holds is not merely a weapon; it is a symbol of authority and readiness. The saber's curved blade, reminiscent of ancient scimitars, echoes through time, connecting this American officer to a lineage of warriors across cultures. Think of the Roman gladius or the Persian shamshir—each a variation on the theme of martial power. This symbol appears in different contexts, where over time it has been passed down through history, shifting in meaning. The collective memory of conflict and defense is woven into the very fabric of this image. The posture and accoutrements, even in this small format, tap into a deep, subconscious understanding of duty and valor, engaging viewers on a profound level. The symbol is non-linear and cyclical, it has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.