Trade Card for Bissell Carpet Sweeper, circa 1880
Add to SetSummary
In the last third of the nineteenth century, an unprecedented variety of consumer goods flooded the American market. Some enterprising advertisers sought to distinguish their products from the competition by distributing trade cards. Special versions revealed hidden images and words when held to the light. Americans enjoyed and often saved the popular little advertisements, which survive as historical records of consumerism in the United States.
In the last third of the nineteenth century, an unprecedented variety of consumer goods flooded the American market. Some enterprising advertisers sought to distinguish their products from the competition by distributing trade cards. Special versions revealed hidden images and words when held to the light. Americans enjoyed and often saved the popular little advertisements, which survive as historical records of consumerism in the United States.
Artifact
Trade card
Date Made
circa 1880
Subject Date
circa 1880
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2020.58.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Printing (Process)
Color
Multicolored
Dimensions
Height: 3.375 in
Width: 5.625 in
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