Grand Admiral, Austria, from the Naval Flags series (N17) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886 - 1891

This small chromolithograph, “Grand Admiral, Austria,” was part of a series of naval flags included in Allen & Ginter cigarette packs. These cards, dating back to the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the era’s cultural landscape, one in which consumerism, nationalism, and imperial ambition were interwoven. Produced by a Richmond, Virginia-based company, the card reflects the complicated legacy of the American South. Even as it sought to modernize and participate in global markets, it was grappling with the aftermath of slavery and the Civil War. The flag of Austria—a symbol of the Austro-Hungarian Empire—is rendered with careful detail, signaling the company's aspirations to appeal to a diverse, cosmopolitan consumer base. This focus on foreign symbols, however, stands in contrast to the internal struggles of a nation still divided by questions of race, identity, and power. Consider how something as simple as a cigarette card becomes a site where these complex histories converge. What stories do these objects tell about the relationship between commerce, identity, and empire?