Losing Time, from the Jokes series (N87) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

"Losing Time," from the "Jokes" series of trade cards, was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in 1890 to promote Duke brand cigarettes. This humorous illustration depicts an older man, presumably a smoker, being tricked by a young boy. The boy is holding a stick that appears to have a piece of burning material at the end, which he is using to light the man's cigarette. This playful image suggests that Duke's cigarettes are enjoyable and light up quickly. The trade card's small dimensions, typical for such advertising materials, make it a unique collectible for art and tobacco history enthusiasts.