Order of Civil Merit, Saxony, from the World's Decorations series (N30) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

Editor: Here we have "Order of Civil Merit, Saxony," a print created in 1890 by Allen & Ginter as part of their "World's Decorations" series. I'm immediately struck by the detail achieved in such a small-scale image; the rendering of the medal is quite ornate. What can you tell us about this object? Curator: Well, let's consider the context. These cards were included in cigarette packs. It’s fascinating how the commercial world intersected with social hierarchies through the popularization of imagery of orders and merit. The "Order of Civil Merit, Saxony," then becomes a signifier, a tool for constructing cultural capital in late 19th century America. Does the notion of ‘merit’ change at all when attached to a product like cigarettes? Editor: That's a great point. The link between merit and cigarettes seems contradictory to modern sensibilities. It makes me wonder who exactly collected these? Curator: Precisely! We must think about the act of collecting and its relationship to class. For the emerging middle class, perhaps these cards offered a glimpse into a world of aristocracy and empire. Allen & Ginter, in turn, profited by tapping into a consumer market fascinated by status. Have you noticed how the print mimics official engravings of the time, giving a veneer of legitimacy? Editor: I see that. The attention to detail, down to the lettering and heraldic shield, lends it an air of authority. But its function, of course, is purely promotional. So it almost satirizes the idea of ‘merit’ doesn’t it? Curator: Exactly! It prompts us to question the meaning behind these symbols of power. These trading cards played a subtle role in shaping the perceptions of societal structures. I see now how playful it could be interpreted. Editor: I never thought about the societal impact of cigarette cards! I came here thinking only about the symbolism. This puts it in a whole new light.