Trade cards picture 19th-century U.S. stamps

By John M. Hotchner

As a fan of 19th-century trade cards that depict United States stamps, I’m pleased to share two examples of what appear at first glance to be the same card.

The cards have the same margin design and show the same four stamps from the definitive series of 1870-71. However, they are not the same.

One card bears this message: “Use Eastman’s Fraxinella Perfume” printed at the bottom. The back of this card is blank.

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The other card has no printing at the bottom, but has this printed on the back: “Compliments of Shepard, Norwell & Co. Importers and jobbers of Dress Goods, Silks & Velvets, 26 to 34 Winter Street, Boston.”

Seven of the nine such cards I’ve seen have blank backs. The other ad I have found on the back reads, “Sharpless & Sons Importers, Jobbers & Retailers of Dry Goods, 801, 803, 805 & 807 Chestnut Street Philadelphia.”

Another card has the following inscription on the top front: “Daniel Low, Diamonds, Watches, Jewelry and Silverware, Salem.”

There are other differences as well. For example, in the three cards illustrated nearby, there are subtle differences in the colors of the stamps from card to card, especially in the 2¢ orange and the 9¢ red.

Finally, look at the cancellations on the stamps. On all nine cards I have seen, the cancellations are different on every stamp.

I wonder how many versions there might be of these cards? Reports of others are welcome.

Write to me, John Hotchner, at Box 1125, Falls Church, 22041-012, or send an email to jmhstamp@verizon.net.