Military Order of Max Joseph, Bavaria, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This is a colorful lithograph from the "Military Series" created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1888 to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The artwork depicts a stylized representation of the Military Order of Max Joseph, a high honor awarded by the Kingdom of Bavaria. The illustration features a white cross with a blue center inscribed with “MK” surrounded by a golden crown. The image exemplifies the popular 19th-century trend of using imagery of national pride and military valor to promote consumer goods.