Order of the Crown of Wurtemberg, Wurtemberg, from the World's Decorations series (N44) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This small chromolithograph depicts the Order of the Crown of Wurtemberg, and it was created as part of a series of collectible cards for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. The late 19th century saw the rise of mass-produced collectible cards like this one. They speak to the burgeoning consumer culture and the ways in which commodities were intertwined with identity and aspiration. Here, the Order—a symbol of honor and status—becomes a token included with a packet of cigarettes, a juxtaposition that speaks volumes about the changing social order of the time. These cards catered to a predominantly white, male audience. These types of images helped to reinforce notions of power and prestige at a time when traditional hierarchies were being challenged. The emotional draw lies in the subtle invitation to participate in a world of status, even if only through collecting. The Order, transformed into a commodity, reflects a society grappling with new forms of power, identity, and value.