Collection of late 19th century sewing machine trade cards, advertisements, and catalogues. 1871-1901

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Summary

Extent:
0.25
Language:
English Spanish;Castilian

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of approximately 196 pieces of advertising materials created and distributed by sewing machine companies in the late 19th century. Advertisement trade cards make up the majority of the collection, but catalogues, periodicals, and assorted novelty items are also included.

Biographical / historical:

Throughout the 19th century, trade cards were distributed by businesses to potential consumers to advertise and announce their trade. Oftentimes, these ornate and easily-transportable items were collected and exchanged in social circles.

This collection demonstrates the significance of sewing machines in women's lives as well as the different marketing strategies businesses used. Advertisers considered women's values, depicting a variety of social situations including women's work, courtship, and the family. Advertisers also made the trade cards entertaining and interactive by including humor and novelty effects such as hold-to-light and before-and-after images.

The remainder of the collection, mostly consisting of small catalogues, provides information on the capabilities of specific machines and overall technical improvements as they occurred. The collection also contains a wide variety of printing techniques and artistic styles. Some of the companies within this collection are Davis Sewing Machine Company, New Home Sewing Machine Company, Singer Manufacturing Company, Standard Sewing Machine, and the White Sewing Machine Company.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into two series:

Series 1: Sewing machine trade cards, 1880-1901

Sub-series 1: "Domestic," "New Home," "Singer," and "White" trade cards, 1880-1901

Sub-series 2: Misc. trade cards, 1881-1888

Series 2: Booklets, catalogues, and periodicals, 1871-1884

Access and use

Location of this collection:
SFSU - J. Paul Leonard Library
1630 Holloway Ave, Room 610
San Francisco, CA 94132-4030, US
Contact:
(415) 469-6100
sutro@library.ca.gov
Website