Song Sparrow, from the Birds of America series (N37) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

"Song Sparrow, from the Birds of America series (N37) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes," is a chromolithograph from 1888, produced by Allen & Ginter, a company known for their popular trading cards. The card depicts a song sparrow perched on a branch, its brown and gray plumage detailed with striking realism. This small but detailed card is part of a larger series, "Birds of America," which was distributed with Allen & Ginter cigarettes. The illustration reflects the growing popularity of birdwatching and natural history in the late 19th century, and the card's association with a popular brand demonstrates the pervasiveness of advertising in everyday life during that era. "Song Sparrow" is a prime example of a chromolithographic trading card, a collectible genre that thrived in the 19th century, offering a glimpse into the world of birdwatching and advertising of the era.