Wonderful collection of 27 original Victorian-era paper ephemera pieces, primarily dating to the late 19th century and including calling cards, embossed printer samples, advertising trade cards, reward cards and decorative chromolithographs.Several pieces are especially interesting because they appear to be printer or salesman samples rather than ordinary personal calling cards, retaining period ordering information such as “German Embossed – 12 for 19 cents,” “Imported Embossed – 25 for 10 cts.” and “Pack No. 11.” Similar cards were displayed in printer and stationery sample books so customers could choose designs, typography and embossed decorations for personalized visiting cards.The assortment includes richly colored flowers, birds, dogs and cats; embossed and die-cut elements; handwritten and printed names; Victorian sentiments; a Christmas greeting; a Reward of Merit featuring the Violet-breasted Tanager; and an advertising card for Everett H. Dunbar, Gents Fine Boots & Shoes, Lynn, Massachusetts.Calling cards were an important part of Victorian social etiquette, while increasingly sophisticated color lithography and embossing turned even these small pieces of paper into miniature examples of commercial graphic design. Surviving period sample books show the remarkable variety of designs printers offered their customers. Lot includes: 27 piecesEra: Primarily circa 1880s–1890sMaterial: Paper/cardstockTechniques represented: Embossing, chromolithography/color printing, die-cut decoration, handwriting and typographyCondition: Antique condition with varying degrees of toning, staining, edge wear, handwriting and other age-related wear. Please review photographs carefully; these are being sold together as found.Excellent material for a Victorian ephemera collection, printing/history collection, paper archive, collage, junk journal or framed display.
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