Album of chromolithograph business cards

[Rhode Island: ca. 1880]. Scrapbook album (approx. 9.5 x 11 in.) of chromolithograph trade/business cards, pp. 116; a little over 550 cards (virtually all of Rhode Island origin) not including a few small die-cut pieces, some cards without illustrations and text only, but a significant portion are company cards for advertising purposes and/or with business information, sometimes printed with the illustration itself, and sometimes stamped on via relief. Full brown cloth gilt boards; binding worn, joints and hinges cracked, album pages edge worn and flaking, about half a dozen leaves loose, but the cards themselves in very good condition, with some soiling from adhesive at times but largely without abrasions or chipping. Businesses represented include bird supply stores, circulating libraries, clothing stores, groceries and general goods, a first-class dining room, soap makers, and so on, all largely in the Rhode Island area with a few nearby Massachusetts companies included. The images are largely generic, with company information added to the provided blank, but some cards appear custom illustrated for that business. Two cards have moving elements, where opening a flap reveals a happy family using a product (one is split). Also included are a number of blank cards and greeting cards, as well as some large cutouts of floral illustrations and two autograph cards signed J. O. Williams and R. G. Messinger. A nice collection, with much local interest. Item #66154

Price: $500.00