Commodore's Pennant, Great Britain, from the Naval Flags series (N17) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886 - 1891

This is “Commodore’s Pennant, Great Britain”, one of the cards from the Naval Flags series produced by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. These cards were distributed with cigarette packs, a common marketing tactic in the late 19th century. Here we see an idealized image of British naval power, symbolized by the commodore's pennant. The flag, billowing above a warship, represents British identity, a symbol of pride, but also of colonial reach. The commodore was a rank of the Royal Navy and would have been in charge of several ships. This card circulated at a time when tobacco companies thrived, often relying on exploited labor. By invoking the imagery of naval strength, the card taps into a sense of national identity and power, subtly reinforcing the social hierarchies and economic practices of the time. Though small, this card speaks volumes about power, commerce, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.