BLACK AMERICANA, VICTORIAN TRADE CARDS, Set of Fourteen

Thanks for taking a look at this mounted set of Fourteen, Original, 1880's Victorian Advertising Trade Cards. It appears likely that some may have been used as postcards in their day.

They appear to be of two distinct types: Those of large, national companies which had  proprietary cards specifically designed to reflect the nature of their product and generic cards that smaller, local businesses could order with their business names imprinted.

Among the first category are J&P COATS THREAD, CLARK'S THREAD, LAIRD, SCHLOBER & MITCHELL'S SHOES, GOLD DUST WASHING POWDER featuring the famous 'Gold Dust Twins,' Alden Fruit Vinegar, EDWIN C. BURT Fine Shoes, HIGGIN'S GERMAN LAUNDRY SOAP, SANDFORD'S GINGER and AYRES CATHARTIC PILLS (shows copyright of 1883). In the latter category are Sauer's Baking Powder, Marshall and Ball Clothiers, Friedberger and Strouse on Eighth St. in Philadelphia and Home Furnisher W. H. Sperry of North Adams, Massachusettes.  The top card, second from right bears no imprint.

The first photo shows all fourteen cards, the second shows cards to the left and the third is a photo of cards to the right.

This was one of two framed wall hangings.  Because frames are from the turn of the 19th Century, it's been assumed the cards were collected, glued this 16 X 20-inch card stock and framed at about that time. This collection was removed from the frame when the very rustic-quality glass broke.

I'm guessing that because the cards only appear to have a small amount of glue (possibly flour paste or muselage) and the edges are free, a careful application of steam would release them from the card stock, but it's not something I wanted to attempt.

Outside Atlanta in May of 1999, The Trust of noted auto, auto parts and memorabilia collector Robert C. Slack held an auction to liquidate Bob's 30-year collection of cars (mostly 30's Fords), parts and a wide-ranging collection of American memorabilia. These cards are from Bob's collection.

Shipping and Handling in a reinforced package to Continental US is $9.95. PayPal is preferred method of payment and is required of buyers outside the Cont US. Payment is required within 7 days and you are asked to carefully inspect the photos of these trade cards.  All are in presentable order, a couple have missing corners, a couple have a few moth nibbles and one shows 3 small stains on the border. I would rate condition good to excellent.

I'm not an expert in this area and in my 70's am doing my own version of downsizing. I'm guessing a collection of this magnitude is a one-time opportunity and could make an excellent gift for a collector.  The referenced Victorian-period oak and gold leaf frame, sized specifically for this collection, is available at extra cost in response to your inquiry.

Good Luck and Happy Bidding!  I look forward to answering any and all questions.