Trade Card for Ayer's Hair Vigor, circa 1885

Summary

James C. Ayer (1818-1878), a purveyor of patent medicines in the 19th century, claimed his treatments could cure colds, coughs, and other ailments, purify the blood, and invigorate the hair. Ayer--and later his company--successfully marketed his products by printing thousands of trade cards, almanacs, and newspaper and magazine ads. Ayer's company continued production well into the 20th century.

James C. Ayer (1818-1878), a purveyor of patent medicines in the 19th century, claimed his treatments could cure colds, coughs, and other ailments, purify the blood, and invigorate the hair. Ayer--and later his company--successfully marketed his products by printing thousands of trade cards, almanacs, and newspaper and magazine ads. Ayer's company continued production well into the 20th century.

Artifact

Trade card

Date Made

circa 1885

Subject Date

circa 1885

Collection Title

Trade Card Collection 

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

89.0.541.510

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Printing (Process)

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 5.25 in

Width: 3.25 in

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