Antique 1883 Carrier Pigeon Die Cut with Chick – I.H. Hamburger – Union Clothing Co. Rochester NY Advertising
Victorian chromolithographed die-cuts were among the most popular forms of decorative paper ephemera during the late nineteenth century. Produced in a wide variety of subjects, they were used to decorate scrap albums, greeting cards, gift presentations and household objects. Some were also adapted for commercial advertising, providing a record of both decorative printing and nineteenth-century retail promotion.
This original heavier cardboard embossed die-cut depicts a carrier pigeon and bears a printed copyright of I. H. Hamburger (Isaac H. Hamburger), dated 1883. The reverse carries an advertisement for the Union Clothing Co. of Rochester, New York. Accompanying the pigeon is a separate, unrelated chick die-cut of the same period.
The carrier pigeon is printed in muted shades of grey, olive and cream with finely engraved feather detail characteristic of high-quality chromolithography of the period. The surface is embossed in low relief, adding depth to the printed image.
The reverse advertises the Union Clothing Co., stating:
"You will find the largest stock! You will find the newest styles! You will find the best made Clothing! You will find the prices lowest, at the Union Clothing Co., Tall Building, Rochester, N.Y."
The company occupied the Tall Building at 36 State Street before relocating to the Granite Building in 1893, placing this advertising piece within the period 1883 to 1893, although it was almost certainly produced closer to the 1883 copyright date. The combination of the printed copyright and the documented business location allows the die-cut to be range dated with confidence.
Examples retaining identifiable commercial advertising on the reverse are encountered less frequently than standard decorative scraps and provide additional insight into nineteenth-century merchandising and advertising.
Condition
Good condition. The carrier pigeon was evidently removed from a scrapbook and displays scattered small areas of surface paper loss to the printed face, particularly around the breast and lower body. There is minor edge wear, a small amount of loss to the tip of the beak, remnants of old adhesive and scrapbook mounting on the reverse. The accompanying chick shows light age-related wear. Despite these condition issues, both die-cuts retain strong colour and remain attractive display pieces.
Measurements
Carrier Pigeon
- Width: 8 inches
- Height: 3 3/8 inches
Chick
- Height: 2 3/8 inches
A documented example of Victorian chromolithography that also preserves an advertisement for a Rochester clothing retailer, illustrating both decorative paper production and commercial advertising during the late nineteenth century. Interesting survivors that help document everyday Victorian life and the history of American retail advertising....