Block numbered in one place: 3375 [?]., Image of an ostrich in a desert setting, with palm trees in the background., Illustration appears in A History of Birds, Child's home library series no. 9 (Philadelphia, between 1857 and 1870?), p. 2.
Block numbered in one place: 4763., Image of an ostrich and two of its chicks in a natural setting., “N.J. Wemmer. 5 Pear St. Phila.” – Stamped on back of block twice. Nelson J. Wemmer is listed (as an artist) at this address in Philadelphia city directories from 1848 to 1856.
Trade card promoting A. Colburn & Co.'s mustard and depicting a racist caricature of an young African girl riding an ostrich in a tropical setting. Show the barefooted girl, attired in a short-sleeved, knee-length, red dress with yellow trim, holding on to the ostrich's neck with both hands. The grey ostrich takes a long stride with its legs as it runds on a dirt path. Plants with palm leaves, greenery, and a rock line the path. Arthur T. Colburn (1834-1901) founded the spice business A. Colburn & Co. in 1856 in Philadelphia. The business was one of the largest spice dealers in the city and operate into the 1920s., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from history of the advertised business and visual content., Advertising text printed on verso: Colburn's Philadelphia mustard 1/4, 1/2 & 1 lb. Tins, always full weight. Better and cheaper than imported. 14 cents a pound saved in duty alone. Flavor, pungency and quality unequalled. Best for table or medicinal purposes. Press opinions of Colburn's Philadelphia mustard: N.Y. World--"Many persons have found that Colburn's Philadelphia mustard is better than the imported for the table and sick room." N.Y. Sun--"Better goods at lower prices is welcome news to housekeepers. Colburn's Philadelphia mustard, better and cheaper than imported, pleases everybody." N.Y. Telegram-- "One of the best articles of its kind is Colburn's Philadelphia mustard. It is a table luxury and is especially good for medicinal purposes." N.Y. Com. Advertiser --"The celebrity of Colburn's Phila. mustard as a table luxury and medicinal purposes has won for it a deserved place in prominent competition." N.Y. Evening Post--"An advance made by American manufacturers is of benefit to the whole county. Colburn's Philadelphia mustard is taking the place largely of imported mustard." N.Y. Evening Express--"We call special attention to Colburn's Philadelphia mustard. Many who have had an idea that the imported [w]as the best have found that this 'brand' of home manufac[tu]re was better for the table and sick room, besides being at least 14 cents a pound cheaper, on account of saving in duty. Messrs. A. Colburn & Co., of Philadelphia, stand in the front rank of our manufacturers and none need be afraid of goods bearing [?]me or label. We cordially recommend Colburn's Philadelphia mustard." Sold by all grocers and druggists., Gift of David Doret.
Date
[ca. 1880]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Colburn [P.2017.95.34]
