James Price, from the Sea Captains series (N127) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1887

This chromolithograph of Captain James Price was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. of New York as a promotional item for their ‘Honest Long Cut’ tobacco, sometime between 1870 and 1920. These cards, collected by adults and children alike, offer a fascinating window into the cultural values of the time. Here, the stern but rosy-cheeked Captain Price is presented as a figure of trustworthiness and authority, qualities implicitly transferred to the tobacco brand. Note the signal flag bearing a star, a symbol of guidance and navigation, further reinforcing the idea of reliability. Duke and Sons was one of the first American companies to mass-produce cigarettes. The company’s investment in advertising and promotional items like these was revolutionary at the time. To fully understand this image, one must consider the rise of consumer culture, the history of tobacco advertising, and the social status of sea captains in the late 19th century. By examining sources like trade publications, company records, and period advertising, we can gain insight into the complex interplay of commerce, culture, and identity in this period.