Lynn Mills, Catcher, Milwaukee, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 1880s America with *Lynn Mills, C, Milwaukee*, a captivating albumen photograph from Goodwin & Company's iconic Old Judge series (N). Produced in 1888 as a promotional insert for Old Judge Cigarettes, tiny card—measuring just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches—features the stern portrait of Lynn Mills, catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers the era's Western League. Part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, it exemplifies early sports ephemera, blending photography with commercial savvy. These cards marked a pivotal moment in baseball's rise as Am...

About the Artist

Goodwin & Company · 1850–1950

**Goodwin & Company (ca. 1850–1950)** Goodwin & Company, originally established as E. Goodwin and Brother before the American Civil War, emerged as a prominent New York City-based tobacco manufacturer in the mid-19th century. Operating from the bustling heart of Manhattan, the firm built its reputation on popular cigarette brands such as Gypsy Queen and, most notably, Old Judge, which became syno...