Card Number 155, Mrs. Roach, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-6) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

"Card Number 155, Mrs. Roach," is a trade card from the "Actors and Actresses" series, issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the 1880s to promote their Duke Cigarettes. The card features a black and white photograph of Mrs. Roach, a well-known actress of the time, in a formal pose, wearing a dark dress and a white lace collar. The card includes the Duke Cigarettes logo, “Duke Cigarettes are the best,” and “Mrs. Roach.” The card is part of a series of trade cards that were popular in the late 19th century. These cards were often given away with purchases of tobacco products, and they featured images of famous actors, actresses, and other celebrities. This example is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s permanent collection.