Seery, Left Field, Indianapolis, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This card, portraying Seery of the Indianapolis baseball team, was printed by Goodwin & Company around 1887 as a promotional item for Old Judge Cigarettes. The card is made of paper, with a photographic image printed on its surface. In the late 19th century, advances in printing technology made mass production of these cards possible, transforming the relationship between sports, commerce, and popular culture. The sepia tone and matte texture of the photograph give it a vintage feel, contrasting sharply with the glossy, high-resolution sports cards of today. The mass production of these cards reflects the rise of consumer culture and the increasing commercialization of sports. The production of such collectibles was part of a wider industrial ecosystem, involving photographers, printers, and factory workers, all contributing to the circulation of these images. By placing the photograph within the context of capitalism and consumerism, we can appreciate it not just as a piece of sports memorabilia, but as a material artifact deeply embedded in the social and economic fabric of its time.