R.D. Sears, Champion American Lawn Tennis Player, from World's Champions, Series 2 (N29) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph card, part of the "World's Champions" series, features R.D. Sears, a renowned American lawn tennis player. Created in 1888 by Allen & Ginter, the card was originally distributed as a promotional item for their cigarettes. It showcases Sears in a striped jersey, a popular tennis attire of the era, and depicts a tennis racket at the top of the card, adding visual context to his profession. The card, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the early days of professional tennis and the evolution of sports memorabilia.