HSP Collection of Trade Cards

HSP collection of trade cards (Collection 3138), circa 1800-circa 1900, 15 linear feet

This is an extensive collection of 19th-century trade cards from Philadelphia and surrounding region. The range of businesses the collection covers is quite wide, from hat makers and soda producers to dry goods stores and blacksmiths.  The ornamentations and text on the cards also varies, from simple black and white designs and text to flourished designs and fonts and colorful figures.  The cards range in size from a couple inches to over a foot of advertising space.  There are also three scrapbooks associated with this collection.

Good news! This collection has been partially adopted by the Young Friends of HSP. Your contribution of $1548 will enable us to complete the preservation and organzization of this collection.