Josie Dirkee, Erminie Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This black and white photograph, "Josie Dirkee, Erminie Co., from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes," is part of a set of trading cards produced by Allen & Ginter in the late 19th century. The cards featured images of popular actors and actresses of the day, promoting Virginia Brights cigarettes. This particular card depicts Josie Dirkee, an actress known for her role in the operetta "Erminie." The image captures Dirkee in a theatrical pose, dressed in a costume likely worn during a performance. These cards are considered a valuable collectible for theatre and card enthusiasts today, reflecting a bygone era of entertainment and tobacco advertising.