Officer, Custer Guards, Grand Rapids, Michigan Militia, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph, created in 1888 by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, is a promotional card for Sweet Caporal cigarettes. The card depicts a portrait of an officer from the Custer Guards, a militia unit from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The officer is shown in full uniform, including a distinctive helmet and a sword, and the image showcases the intricate details of military garb common during the late 19th century. These cards were part of a series issued by Kinney Tobacco Company, known as the "Military Series," which featured illustrations of various military personnel across the United States. This card offers a glimpse into the visual culture and marketing strategies of the late 19th century, as well as a snapshot of a particular military unit's attire and appearance.