Number 19, The Rattled Innkeeper, from the Tricks with Cards series (N138) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1887

This small card, "Number 19, The Rattled Innkeeper," was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. between 1870 and 1920, using printing processes to promote their Honest Long Cut Tobacco. Printed on thin cardstock, the surface is divided between an image of playing cards, the title, and a description of the card trick. The very nature of this object blurs the lines between advertising, entertainment, and everyday life. Consider the labor involved: from the design and illustration, to the printing and distribution, each stage reflects the economic landscape of the time. These cards were mass-produced, and distributed to reach a wide audience and entice them to buy tobacco. This card’s value lies not only in its visual appeal, but in its connection to the broader world of commerce, labor, and leisure. It prompts us to consider the cultural significance of everyday objects, and the ways in which they shape our understanding of history.