Card Number 308, M'Tortard, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-5) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This is a trade card from the 1880s, advertising Duke's Cameo Cigarettes. The card features a black and white photograph of a man carrying a child in a basket on his back. It is part of a series of trade cards depicting actors and actresses, likely intended to promote the cigarettes to a broader audience. This particular card depicts the actor "M'Tortard," though little is known about the actual individual. The image is a charming snapshot of a man carrying a child, which may have contributed to the success of the cigarette brand, as it evoked a sense of family and tradition. These trade cards, now considered historical artifacts, provide a glimpse into the advertising strategies of the 19th century.