Order of Saint John, Holy See, from the World's Decorations series (N44) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This is a collectible card of the Order of Saint John, Holy See, part of the "World's Decorations" series, produced by Allen & Ginter. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs during the late 19th century and served as both advertising and collectible items, reflecting the era’s imperialistic fascination with global cultures and symbols of power. The Order of Saint John, with its roots in medieval crusades and the Knights Hospitaller, carries a weighty history of religious and military authority. By circulating images of such decorations, Allen & Ginter tapped into a consumer culture that was eager to possess and display symbols of global prestige. These cards speak to how identities were constructed through collecting and how consumerism reinforced hierarchies. They can be seen as instruments which fueled the public's imagination about distant lands.