Card Number 344, Blanche, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

"Card Number 344, Blanche" is a trade card from the "Actors and Actresses" series issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes in the 1880s. This black and white photograph features a woman, Blanche, in a light-colored dress, posing against an out-of-focus background. The card is a prime example of 19th-century advertising that utilized popular culture figures to promote products. It highlights the historical significance of trade cards as a form of advertisement and a glimpse into the entertainment industry of the late 19th century. The image showcases a simple yet effective method of advertising, featuring a prominent figure associated with the brand name, "Cross Cut Cigarettes," making it a valuable artifact for studying the intersection of commerce and entertainment.