Catherine II, Russian Navy, from the Naval Vessels of the World series (N226) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This is a trade card from the "Naval Vessels of the World" series, issued by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1889. The card features a detailed illustration of the Russian warship "Catherine II," showcasing its imposing presence and weaponry. These trade cards were popular advertising tools in the late 19th century, promoting Kinney Brothers' "High Class Cigarettes" by showcasing the power and grandeur of naval vessels around the world. The card's small size (3.8 × 7 cm) makes it a perfect example of a collectible from the era of cigarette cards, which were often exchanged and traded by collectors. The card features a detailed view of the ship’s profile and a blue sky with clouds. This image was likely created to appeal to the widespread fascination with naval power during the late 19th century.