Order of Alcantara of Spain, Instituted 1177, from the World's Decorations series (N44) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

Editor: Here we have a print from 1890 by Allen & Ginter, showcasing the “Order of Alcantara of Spain.” It’s part of their “World’s Decorations” series tucked into cigarette packs. Initially, the detail of the green cross and ribbon caught my eye—it's such a striking contrast. What draws your attention when you see this piece? Curator: Oh, the thrill of discovering hidden treasures in the everyday! These cigarette cards are like tiny portals into another era. For me, it’s the juxtaposition of the sacred and the profane. You have this very traditional, prestigious order of chivalry—think knights, crusades, religious significance—miniaturized and used to sell cigarettes. It’s almost irreverent, don’t you think? I wonder, did people actually contemplate the history of the Order while enjoying their smoke? Editor: That's a thought I hadn't considered! It's intriguing to think about how something with such deep historical roots ended up as a commercial gimmick. Was this a common practice at the time? Curator: Absolutely. It was a clever way to add value to their product. Cards like these were highly collectible. Think of them as little windows onto the world. They’re teaching tools and conversation starters all rolled into one small rectangle. And this order in particular! Knights fighting Moors, defending the faith… it’s the stuff of legends. Editor: So, this little card actually opens up a whole world of historical context and cultural commentary. I guess there's more than meets the eye, it isn't just a picture. Curator: Exactly! It is an open window for curiosity and it gets us looking into things, asking questions about those things. It makes me ponder how we'll condense the cultural icons of our era into bite-sized pieces for future generations!