Victorian trade cards were one of the most popular forms of advertising during the late 19th century, especially in the United States and Europe. These small, colorful cards were distributed by businesses to promote everything from soap and sewing machines to candy, medicine, and department stores.
Trade cards flourished during the Victorian era (roughly 1837–1901), coinciding with advancements in color lithography that allowed for mass production of richly illustrated prints. Many featured charming or humorous images—children, animals, flowers, and whimsical scenes—paired with the name and address of the business being promoted.
This is a collection of Victorian trade cards from the late 19th century.
Liebig Company’s Fleisch-Extract, Trade Card, Enthüllte Zauberkünste, Die Geister, circa 1880s
Liebig Company’s Fleisch-Extract, Trade Card, Miezchens erste Schlittenfahrt, circa 1880s
Queen Regent of Spain, from World’s Sovereigns series (Num. 34) for Allen & Ginter’s Cigarettes, circa 1880s
Liebig’s Beef Extract, “Italian Masques I”, “Arlecchino”, French issue, 1883
Véritable Extrait de Viande Liebig, “Italian Masques I” French issue, 1883
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