"The Women of The Future," according to 1902 French trading cards

In 1902, a French trading card manufacturer released this curious batch of playing cards depicting women and their futuristic careers as soldiers, lawyers, journalists, and cigarette-chomping students. But because these cards were designed to titillate, many of these outfits aren't entirely practical — note the firefighter and general's lack of sleeves above. In fact, much of the military regalia pictured wouldn't be handy whatsoever in the battlefield.

The obvious pin-up element aside, there are some fun sartorial choices here. I kind of wish duck hats and pince-nezs were standard issue for all journalists nowadays. Similarly, monocles should be required at any reputable law school. Here are some of the quirkier cards.

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[Fantasies Bergeret via Ptak Science Books]