Object of the Day: A Trade Card Advertising Hoyt’s German Cologne

I’ve several trade cards in my collection for Hoyt’s German Cologne. Each of these cards were scented with the cologne to give customers and potential customers a chance to be reminded of the fragrance’s light aroma.

Often, the Hoyt’s cards were printed with handy calendars. This encouraged a lady to keep the card in her reticule, and, at the same time scent the items she carried with her each day. The other cards, meant to be collected in scrapbooks, boasted handsome and romantic images like those we see on this example.

This one features a whole gaggle (flock? coven? Or is it a murder, like crows?) of putti, flitting around a giant atomizer atop a bottle of the cologne. Well, maybe it’s a normal size bottle and the putti are really small. It’s hard to say—perspective in Victorian advertising imagery was always wonky anyway.  In any event, they're trying to wrap the thing in floral garlands for some reason.  I suppose, perhaps, it is to reinforce the notion that the stuff smells good.

Oh, and did I mention that they’re in a swamp? An acid green swamp of cologne.

The obverse reminds us that the card is:

PERFUMED
WITH

HOYT’S GERMAN COLOGNE 

TRIAL SIZE
25 CTS
MEDIUM SIZE
50 CTS
LARGE BOTTLES
$1.00

FRAGRANT
& LASTING 

E.W. HOYT & CO., 
PROPRIETORS, LOWELL, MASS.



The reverse tells us:

THIS CARD IS PERFUMED WITH 
Hoyt’s German Cologne. 
FRAGRANT AND LASTING.
This is the most delightful perfume known. 

----------------

HOYT’S GERMAN COLOGNE is the best Handkerchief odor
     made. It possesses qualities that place it beyond compe-
     tition, and is reliable.
HOYT’S GERMAN COLOGNE is indispensible when attend-
     ing the Theatre, Ball-room or Opera. It is delicious.
HOYT’S GERMAN COLOGNE overcomes any disagreeable
     odor about the clothes. It is so pure.
HOYT’S GERMAN COLOGNE imparts to the toilet and bath
     a fragrance and freshness that render it a true cosmetic.
     It beautifies the skin.
HOYT’S GERMAN COLOGNE used in the sick-room is very
     refreshing. Invalids find it an invigorating and restor-
     ing influence.
   To avoid imitations when buying, observe that the name is
blown in the bottle that our signature is printed in red ink
across the label and that our monogram cap over the cork is
not broken. All others are worthless. 
Trial Size, Price 25 Cents; Medium Size, 50 Cents; 
Large Bottles, $1.00. 
The genuine is never sold in bulk or by the ounce. Sold by Druggists and Dealers everywhere. 
E.W. HOYT & CO., PROPRIETORS, 
LOWELL, MASS., U.S.A. 
FOR SALE BY 
E.S. HERNDON, -- Herndon, Mo.,
DEALER IN
Groceries, Patent Medicines, &c.