Hard-A-Port Tobacco Insert Deck, circa 1890, 52 of 52 cards plus joker. The first playing card inserts for tobacco products started around 1885 and quickly became an advertising phenomenon. It is not hard to understand why playing cards were the ideal choice, since a deck numbered 52 or 53 cards and created a continuous demand by collectors who sought to acquire a complete set. The costumed figures are printed in rich colors and appear in various poses including the joker. The wording "Hard A Port Cut Plug" appears at the bottom of each card. Back design in blue depicts a 1 5/8 inch circle with a seaman at the wheel of a sailing vessel and the words, "Smoke and Chew Hard-A-Port Cut Plug," Condition overall very good, two cards have creases, small surface loss to 8 of clubs. Size 4 13/16 in. (9.8 cm) high, 2 1/4 in. (5.8 cm) wide. Dawson, 213, I19.