Officer, Silver State Rifles, Denver, Colorado, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

Here we see a promotional card for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, depicting an officer of the Silver State Rifles in Denver. The stars, the military regalia, and the upright posture all speak to ideals of nationhood and valor. The sword, a crucial symbol, reappears throughout history. In ancient Rome, it was a mark of authority. In medieval Europe, a knight’s sword was blessed, symbolizing honor and divine sanction. Here, in late 19th-century America, the officer's sword projects both military prowess and societal status, linking him to a lineage of power. Consider how such a symbol has been continually reinvented and how it triggers deep-seated cultural memories. This card serves as a flashpoint where personal identity, commercial interests, and grand narratives of nationhood intersect, engaging the viewer with a blend of aspiration and cultural conditioning.