Card Number 322, Emily Melville, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

"Card Number 322, Emily Melville" is a trade card from the Actors and Actresses series, issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes in the 1880s. The card features a bust-length portrait of actress Emily Melville, who was likely popular in the late 19th century. The card is a prime example of trade cards, a popular advertising medium in the late 19th century that often featured portraits of celebrities. These cards, often collected by consumers, served as an effective marketing strategy for the company, linking their product with popular figures of the time. The card is a fascinating glimpse into the history of advertising and the cultural icons of the late 19th century.