Card Number 327, Empire Group, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-5) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This 1880s trade card from the Actors and Actresses series features two women, likely actresses, dressed in elaborate, mid-19th-century styled costumes. The black-and-white photograph, likely a tintype, is a typical example of trade cards produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. for their Cameo Cigarettes. These cards, printed on cardstock, served as a form of advertising in the late 19th century, often featuring popular figures of the time. The image, with its vintage style and subject matter, offers a glimpse into the promotional practices of the past and the popularity of early photography.