Thursday, April 19, 2012

Object of the Day: A Trade Card for Joseph Squire Pork, Lard and Hams




This is an excellent example of  the Victorian advertising tradition of the imagery having nothing to do with the product being sold.  Here, we have a pretty little girl in her Summer attire, outside on a warm, bright day, about to paint a picture.  How sweet.  Yes?

The card advertises a butcher shop.

Specifically, it’s advertising:

Joseph Squire & Co.
Pork, Lard, Hams, Etc.
37, 39 and 41 North Street, Boston.

I’m not sure what other image they would have used—perhaps a chubby little tot in a bloody apron, holding up half of a hog.  Well, no, that’s not something most people would have wanted to collect.  Or is it?  Still, I can’t help but wonder if they could have found an image which was somewhat more ham-related. 

Nevertheless, it’s quite handsome and I’m glad to have it in my collection.

Oh, and there’s nothing on the reverse.  Typical American card…



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