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| This original chromolithographic trade card is an advertisement for the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co., Boston, Mass. founded by John Hancock in 1862. This card is printed in color on 19th century wove paper and with full margins as created by the lithographic firm of Bufford"s Sons, Boston & New York in 1878. This firm was owned by John Henry Bufford 'J. H. Bufford' (1810 - 1870), and his sons Frank Gale Bufford (1837-1912) and John Henry Bufford Jr. (1841-1893). The advertising text on the lower left reads; "Presented by John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co., Boston, Mass". The scene depicts a little girl in blue standing by a fence near an overlapping flowering branch.This is a fine, original example of the chromolithographic 'Trade Card' and 19th century American advertising art. |
| Title: | Trade Card Advertiser: John Hancock Insurance Company, Boston, Massachusetts, Presented by the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company. Printed by Bufford's Sons, Boston and New York (Girl by Fence & Flowering Branch) |
| Advertiser: | John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co., Boston, Mass. |
| Printer: | Bufford"s Sons, Boston & New York |
| Date: | 1878 |
| Medium: | Original Chromolithograph |
| Source: | Advertising Trade Cards |
| John Hancock Insurance Company, Boston, Mass. The American firm of the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co., was established in 1862 by John Hancock, and what began as a small firm is today considered one of the most powerful corporations of its kind. In 2004 a merger with the Manulife Financial Corporation, the largest Canadian life insurer in the country was approved. Then, according the Businessweek, the John Hancock Life Insurance Company, Inc. was acquired in 2009, by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.). The home office of the Old John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company was located at the Berkeley building at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston. The building was completed in 1947. An early postcard illustrating this edifice noted that it was considered the tallest structure in Boston. However, according to other sources it is now relegated to 18th place. The John Hancock company later built two other establishments in Boston, the John Hancock Tower, and the Prudential Tower. This original trade card is an advertisement created in 1878 by their firm. It depicts a little girl dressed a in blue dress standing by a fence near an overlapping flowering tree branch. This is a fine, original example of 19th century American advertising art. | |
| John Henry Bufford 'J. H. Bufford' (1810 - 1870): Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1810, John Henry Bufford, also known as 'J. H. Bufford', was a successful lithographer, illustrator, printmaker, publisher and printer. He worked as an apprentice under William and John Pendleton in Boston for about two to three years (c. 1829-1831). During that time, and until 1835, he maintained his own business at several locations. After his move to New York, Bufford was employed by Endicott and Nathaniel Currier as a pictorial artist creating lithographs of all subjects and sizes. From 1835 to 1840) John Henry Bufford also ran his own business as 'Bufford's Lithography', located at 114 Nassau St. N. Y.' (active, 1835-1837). That name and address appears on the following two examples, Ah! Don’t Mingle, The Celebrated Finale Sung by Mrs. Wood, Sheet Music (1835), and The Upper Falls of the Genesee at Rochester N. Y. (1836-37). Upon Bufford's return to Boston, he worked for other printers and publishing houses, and entered into various partnerships. It is sometimes unclear when each company actually began, merged or was terminated because some firms were still active long after his new firms were listed at the same addresses. It is also difficult to verify the actual date of publication because the stones or plates were often transferred from the old company to the new firm. The following includes a selection of most but not all of the companies operated by or in partnership with John Henry Bufford and or his sons, Frank Gale Bufford (1837-1912) and John Henry Jr. (1841-1893) before and after the death of J. H. Bufford Sr. in in Roxbury, Massachusetts, 1870. This John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company trade card was published by Bufford"s Sons, Boston & New York in 1878. | |
| B. W. Thayer & Co., Boston: Around the 1840's, John Henry Bufford returned to Boston and went into partnership with Benjamin W. Thayer (1814-1875), and John E. Moody to form the lithographic printing firm of 'B. W. Thayer & Company', (lithographers). J. H. Bufford was a partner and active as an illustrator and lithographer in this firm. The 'Sheldon & Co's Business Or Advertising Directory' (1845), contains an advertisement for B. W. Thayer & Co. and the address listed there is No. 208 Washington-Street, Boston. 'The Boston Directory' (1852-1853), lists J. H. Bufford's address at 260 Washington Street and the same address appears in the (1852) 'Massachusetts Register'. B. W. Thayer & Co. is also listed in the 'Massachusetts Register and Business Directory' but at a new address for both of the (1852 and 1854) issues, No. 204 Washington Street. A few examples of the works printed and or published by the Boston firm of B. W. Thayer & Co. include, Lower Parade, James Town, St. Helena... Lithograph, (1840), Arouse Ye, Patriot Whigs! (Music Score), published by Geo. P. Reed (1840), a series of fifty-one original lithographs based after the drawings created by Henry Joyn Van Lennep, Joseph Peckham, Orra White Hitchock and others published in The Geology of Massachusetts (1841) also published in an earlier edition (1835), Evening Stars, Sheet Music (1849), Map of the Troy & Greenfield Rail Road and its connections, (1848), Plan of Briggs Place, in Newton, (1850), A Series of Views In Massachusetts, Ephraim Judson (1853). As mentioned earlier, confusion concerning the dates for the creation, merger or termination of the firms and the publishing dates of the works is present. The earliest records we found for the possible demise or merger of the Thayer firm can be found in two advertisements both recording the Chandler firm as the successor to the B. W. Thayer & Co. This new firm went under the name, 'S. W. Chandler & Bro.,' Lithographers, Engravers, and designers (c. 1853-1856), located at No. 204 Washington Street, Boston (same address as the 1852-1853 listed previously for Thayer). The company was owned by Samuel W. Chandler 'S. W. Chandler' (1803-1900), and his brother, John Green Chandler 'J. G. Chandler' (1815-1879). These records were found in the The Maine Register for the Year 1855: Embracing State and County officers, and an Abstract of the Laws and Resolves; together with a complete Business Directory of the State..., George Adams, Boston, (1855), and The Rhode Island Register for the year 1853 and 1856: Contain a Business Directory of the State. An example of works published by the Chandler firm includes an original lithograph entitled, Shoulder Arms, (Sheet Music), published by E. H. Wade, (1841). The print includes the name of the lithographer, "Lith. of S. W. and J. G. Chandler, Succr. to B. W. Thayer & Cos.", A selection of various lithographs by the 'S. W. Chandler & Bro.' firm after the drawings of Isaac Sprague for Scenery of the White Mountains (1848), and a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, Lith & Published by S. W. Chandler & Bro. 204 Washington St. Boston (1854). | |
| J. H. Bufford & Co., Boston: Some sources mention that around 1844, John Henry Bufford went into a new partnership and established the firm of 'J. H. Bufford & Company, Boston' which remained unchanged until 1851. However, although there are lithographs and directories dating within that period, there are also works and listings containing dates after 1851 and they all bear the 'J. H. Bufford & Co.' name Examples include, 'The Boston Directory' (1848-1849), 'J. H. Bufford & Co., lithographers, 204 Washington Street. 'The Boston Directory' (1851-1852-1853), 'The Boston Almanac' (1853), the 'Massachusetts Register and Business Directory' (1854), the last listings show the same address for J. H. Bufford, 260 Washington Street. examples include, the Map Showing the proposed rail roads from Boston to Burlington (1844), Map of the Vermont Central Rail Road and its connections..., (1848). The following information shows different Bufford firms same time period (see below). | |
| J. H. Bufford's Lithography, Boston: Another firm operating between1844 and 1851 under the name of 'J. H. Bufford's Lithography'. The following works were found in various collections, and the name of the company, 'J. H. Bufford's Lithography, Boston' appears on these prints. Some examples include, a map of East Bridgewater, Mass. (1848), the Plan of the Location of the Norfolk County railroad... (1849), the Map of the White Mountains, N. H (1852), and Ladies Fair for the Poor (1858). | |
| J. H. Bufford's Lith.: The J. H. Bufford Lith. address located at 313 Washington Street, Boston, appears listed in directories as early as 1856 and as late as 1865, examples include, 'The Boston Almanac'(1857), 'The Boston Directory' (1862), and 'The Massachusetts Teacher', Volume XVII, published by the Mass. Teachers' Association, Boston, January, 1864, which contains a reference for his company catalogue; It reads "Catalogue of Drawing Room Prints, Card Lithographs, Card Photographs, etc., J. H. Bufford & Co., 313 Washington Street, Boston. Lithographs published during (1856 - 1866): Examples include, Lafayette, after Jules Emile Saintin, published by W. Schaus, New York and printed by John H. Bufford, 313 Washington St. (1856), Beacon Hill from Mt. Vernon St., J. H. Bufford Lith. 313 Washington St. (1857), Atlantic Telegraph Polka, published by Oliver Ditson & Co, Boston,(1858), Abraham Lincoln from a life by Charles A. Barry..., 313 Washington St., J. H. Bufford's Lith. (1860, ) Skating in Central Park, New York by Winslow Homer (1861), Down by the River Side I Stray, Sheet Music published by Oliver Ditson & Co., (1861), and the map a Civil War map, General Grant's Campaign War Map, Richmond Petersburg, and Vicinity, Published by J. H. Bufford. 313 Washington St., Boston (1864), Beautiful Worcester, Published by D. B. Tarr (1864), Last moments of President Lincoln, Washington D.C. April 15th, 1865, J. H. Bufford's Litho, 313, Washington St., Boston (1865). The two following lithographs were published at a different location by 'J. H. Bufford's Lith., 490 Washington St. Boston', the Island Ledge House, Wells Beach, ME. (not dated) and Map of The Massachusetts Central Rail Road (1871). | |
| J. H. Bufford & Sons, Boston: Although his sons Frank Gale Bufford (1837-1912) and John Henry Bufford Jr. (1841-1893), joined the firm years earlier, they did not make partners until (c. 1863-1865), and around that time, the name of the firm seems to have changed to 'J. H. Bufford & Sons'. Now, according to some sources, The father and son business of 'J. H. Bufford & Sons, Boston' was dissolved two or three years after they initiated this new firm. 'The Boston Almanac and Business Directory' (1871), lists 'John H. Bufford's & Sons' at 313 Washington Street. However, although this new firm includes Bufford and his sons, note the change, 'John H. Bufford's & Sons' as opposed to 'J. H. Bufford & Sons'. Examples of works published or printed by them include the famous portrait of Abraham Lincoln was printed around 1865, Cat Tales published by D. Lothrop and Co., Boston (1887), the American Civil War subjects, Eve of Battle (1863). | |
| Bufford Brothers, Print Sellers', Boston & New York / Bufford's Lithographic & Publishing House / Bufford's Print Publishing House: After the J. H. Bufford & Sons firm was dissolved, Frank and William Bufford continued operating their business as 'Bufford Brothers, Print Sellers', in Boston and New York. Change of address and company name can be found in 'The Boston Almanac' (1865). It contains an advertisement for, "Bufford's Publishing House, Boston and New York, Bufford Brothers, Corner of Bedford and Chauncy Sts., Boston and 735 Broadway, New York". In 1867, an advertisement appeared announcing the demise of the partnership with their father a year earlier, it reads; "Bufford Brothers, successors to John H. Bufford & Sons,Chauncy Street, Boston, or 735 Broadway, New York". Examples of works by this firm include, Miss Kate Reignolds (actress), published Bufford's Lithographic & Publishing House' (1862), a portrait of J. Wilkes Booth, by 'Bufford's Print Publishing House' (1865), Jeff's Last Shift Issued from Bufford's Print Publishing House, 313 Washington St., Boston Mass. (1865), Ruins of the Great Fire at Portland, ME. (1866), 'Bufford Brothers', Boston & New York & S. B. Beckett, Portland, Black Crook Waltzes, Sheet Music, 'Bufford Brothers' (1867) and La Redemption (1866) by J. H. Bufford. | |
| John Bufford's Lithographic Establishment: It wasn't long before the father's and son's business was re-established under another name in 1868. The new firm was called, 'John Bufford's Lithographic Establishment'. An advertisement appeared for this new firm in (1870) just before J. H. Bufford Sr.'s death; It read; "Established 1840. John H. Bufford's Lithographic Establishment, New location, New machinery, special notice -- I have no connection with any lithographic house in this city, or the country. my only place of business is 490 Washington Cor. Beach Street". Examples of lithographs by this firm include, Not for Joseph, published by C. H. Ditson & Co., Music Score (1867-1868), Little Footsteps, Musical Score (1869) and Miss Annie Adams (1872). | |
| J. H. Bufford's Sons, Boston, New York & Chicago: After the death of John Henry Bufford Sr. in 1870, his sons continued to run the business. There are two other names that have surfaced for the Bufford firm during that period, the first is a listing in 'The Boston Almanac and Business Directory' (1874), for John H. Bufford's Sons, 490 Washington Street and another around 1879, listed as 'H. Bufford's Sons, manufacturing Publishers of Novelties in Fine Arts', 141-147 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts, New York and Chicago (1881-1882). Another listing can be found in 'The Boston Directory' (1873), F. G., Bufford (John H. Bufford's Sons), at 490 Washington Street. 'The American Stationer, Volume 15 (1884), includes the 'J. H. Bufford's Sons' firm with another addresses located in Boston, Mass, .293 & 295 Broadway, New York and 156 & 158, Monroe, Chicago, Ill. In 1885, the 'Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago's History, and the prominent points of interest', page 365, (1885-1886) printed an article for 'J. H. Bufford's Sons (Robert J. Lester, Manager), Art and Advertising Novelties, with an address at Nos. 100 and 171 Adams Street. The article explains that the firm was established in 1830 by Mr. J. H. Bufford at Boston, Mass., and was succeeded by his sons. Their establishment was situated at Harrison Square, Mass., with headquarters at Nos. 39 Federal Street, Boston and a branch at Nos. 293 and 295 Broadway, New York. "The article is very enlightening and provides further information concerning their products and services. Two years later, 'The American Bookseller: A semi-monthly Journal' (1886), printed an advertisement for 'J. H. Bufford's Sons, Advertising Novelties', Oldest Lithographic House in America, Established in 1830, with the same address New York address. Other examples of works by 'J. H. Bufford's Sons' include, Roll along, roll along, shout the campaign battle song, 'Music Sheet' (1876), Interior of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association Exhibition Hall and Lawnfield, Mentor, Ohio - The Home of Garfield both printed in (1881). This original trade card was presented by John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company and printed by Bufford's Sons, Boston & New York in 1878. It is a fine example of 19th century advertising art. | |
| Bufford's Sons Lithographic Co., Incorporated: And lastly, the firm was renamed as 'Bufford's Sons Lithographic Company'. It is listed at 65 Franklin, Boston, Mass. in 'Caspar's Directory of the American Book, News and Stationery Trade Wholesale and Retail' (1889) and 'The Boston Almanac and Business Directory, Volume 54 (1889), at the same address. In November of 1890 an advertisement in 'The American Stationer' printed a notification for the 'Bufford's Sons Lithographic Company' which was to be sold at public auction on December 10th of that same year. The sale was to take place at the company office located at Federal Street Boston and noted, "Full particulars of the sale of the property to be sold and terms and conditions of the sale could be obtained at the office of said Company, No. 54 Clayton Street and at their salesroom at 67, Federal Street, Boston Mass". | |
| From its beginning, The Bufford firm printed a wide range of subjects which included historical and architectural city views, marine views, landscapes, disaster views, as well as plans and maps for reports of city and state commissions as well as whaling subjects, civil war scenes, portraits and genre for music sheets novelties, books, and commercial advertising for merchandise and memorabilia such as, labels, and cards. It became one of the most prominent lithographic businesses of its kind. Works printed and or published by the Bufford firm are now housed in the Henry Ford collection, the Boston Athenaeum, the Brooklyn Public Library, the Library Company of Philadelphia, the University of Iowa Libraries, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and many important public and private institutions. | |
| Trade Cards: Chromolithography -- printing images by using a series of carefully registered tint stones -- became the most popular method for the original print-making of everything from miniatures to large posters during the last half of the nineteenth century. The far less costly advances of photomechanical methods, however, made this original and complex form of art all but obsolete by the early twentieth century. Presented by John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, printed by Bufford"s Sons, Boston & New York is an advertisement for the Sudsena Manufacturing Company, New Jersey by Bufford's Sons, Boston & New York was published by Bufford's Sons, Boston & New York around 1885. | |
| Competing companies were quick to recognize the vast potential of this colors process. Beginning around 1870, advertisers regularly allied their products to appealing visual images. And, like today, these images often had very little connection with the product being sold! By the mid 1880's advertisers and their printers were creating the most expensive and elaborate works of art in color. Antique art, advertisements such as this original 19th century trade card printed for the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co., Boston, Massachusetts, truly reflect the true tastes and desires of the times. | |
| Size: | 4 1/4 X 2 1/2 (Sizes in inches are approximate, height preceding width of plate-mark or image.) |
| Matted with 100% Archival Materials | |
| Buy Now | Price: $89.00 US |
| Condition: | Printed on thick nineteenth century wove paper and with full margins as published on the above date. Contains slight wear on the front of the lithographic image and the usual scuffs and paper loss on the back of the card having been kept in a keepsake album, else, a fine, strongly printed impression and in good condition throughout. Altogether, this original trade card presented by John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, printed by Bufford"s Sons, Boston & New York in 1878 is a delightful and original example of nineteenth century advertising. |
| Important Information: | The artist biographies, research and or information pertaining to all the original works of art posted on our pages has been written and designed by Greg & Connie Peters exclusively for our site, (www.artoftheprint.com). Please visit us regularly to view the latest artworks offered for sale. We will soon be posting an update of our most recent research and include the biographical and historical information pertaining to our next collection of original works of art created by artists throughout the centuries. We hope you found the information you were looking for and that it has been beneficial. Our Gallery, (Art of the Print / www.artoftheprint.com) guarantees the authenticity of every work of art we sell 100%. Full documentation and certification is provided. We offer a wide selection of international fine art dating from the early Renaissance to the contemporary art period. |
Original Chromolithographic Trade Card (Advertiser: John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, Boston, Massachusetts)
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| Trade Card Advertiser: John Hancock Insurance Company, Boston, Massachusetts, Presented by the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company. Printed by Bufford's Sons, Boston and New York (Girl by Fence & Flowering Branch) |
View Other Trade Cards by Bufford's Sons
| Bufford's Sons (J. H. Bufford's Sons, Boston Mass, Broadway, New York and Chicago, Illinois) | ||||||
| # | Image | Advertiser & Description | Medium | Date | Notes | - |
| 01.- |  |
Trade Cards Advertising: J. H. Bufford's Sons, Boston Mass, Broadway, N. Y. and Chicago, Illinois (Floral Babies, Three Proofs Before Letters Baby Girls with Flowers, Butterflies, Cat and Kittens) | Set of Three Original Chromolithographs | 1883 | Printed by J. H. Bufford's Sons, Boston Mass, Broadway, N. Y. and Chicago, Ill. (Three Proof Impressions before Advertisement) | |
| 02.- |  |
Trade Card Advertiser: John Hancock Insurance Company, Boston, Massachusetts, Presented by the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company. Printed by Bufford's Sons, Boston and New York (Girl by Fence & Flowering Branch) | Original Chromolithograph | 1878 | Printed by Bufford's Sons, Boston and New York (Life Insurance) | |
| 03.- |  |
Trade Card (Sudsena Manufacturing Company, New Jersey), Stimson's Sudsena Washing Powder - The Baseball Bat | Original Chromolithograph | c. 1875 | Printed by Bufford's Sons, Boston & New York (Laundry Soaps) | Sold |
View other original 19th century chromolithographic Trade Cards in our gallery (Art of the Print / www.artoftheprint.com)
| Art of the Print / www.artoftheprint.com - 19th Century Trade Cards | |
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Although the advertisement of products and services was active long before the 19th century, It was not until the second half of the 19th century that companies and businesses realized the importance of promoting their products in order to better compete with the growing market, thus, advertising became one of the most potent selling tools to date. 'Trade Cards' and 'Labels' were used to advertise all kinds of products and services. They were the popular choice due to their beautiful and decorative styles and small size. Unlike other methods of advertising, often discarded and destroyed, people actually collected these cards and labels, often keeping them in scrapbooks. The advertising artists went to great lengths in order to create images with sophisticated, decorative and colorful designs that would entice the public to purchase the advertised products. 'Trade Cards' came in various sizes, shapes and colors, and most often depicted beautiful women, cute children, animals, flowers and landscapes, however, many other types of images were part of their wonderful selection. As antique art, advertisements such as these original examples reflect the true tastes and desires of the times. The subjects and categories chosen to illustrate and promote the merchandise and services were endless. Much like today, advertisers employed marketing strategies that embraced the needs or desires of people. Fantasy, comedy, satire, education, politics, and even religion were subjects often manipulated to best represent their merchandise and services. The various categories comprised of circus art, sports memorabilia, portraits of famous men and women, medical supplies and remedies, special holidays, transportation, and other interesting subjects. Trade cards were often a primary means of marketing used by both the medical profession and snake-oil vendors, 'Quacks' selling their remedies for both animals and people. There were trade cards for food products, such as cereals, meats, canned foods, soda pop, coffee, sweets and a variety of different types of groceries (both local and imported), mechanical bank trade cards luring people to save and deposit their money into their banks. The small specialized shops and department stores also advertised items of clothing, such as, shoes, dresses, pants, shirts, hats, coats, etc. There were toiletries like perfumes, colognes and soaps which were great gift ideas. Other items offered for sale included clocks, watches, firearms and toys. Their household goods departments sold dishes, canisters, silverware, pots, kettles, thread, pins and needles, cleaning supplies like brushes and buckets. Companies also advertised tools, large appliances, machinery and other smaller items that reduced the time spent doing chores, like their new sewing machines, stoves, and gardening tools of all types and sizes. Of course, advertisers could not afford to exclude three of the most controversial products ever offered for sale. They became some of the most lucrative products on the market, cigars, cigarettes and liquor. |
| Selected Directories in our Gallery (Art of The Print / www.artoftheprint.com), with a focus on the area of interest for this original work of art. | |
| Art of the Print / www.artoftheprint.com sells international fine art. Our collection consists of original paintings, watercolors, drawings, and original prints, such as etchings, engravings, lithographs, woodcuts, silk-screens, aquatints, mezzotints, linocuts, monoprints, and other mediums of original art. All of these works of art have been created by prominent and established painters, illustrators, watercolour artists and printmakers from around the world. The art in our gallery ranges from the early Renaissance period to the modern and contemporary art period. You can view other original artworks similar to the subject under discussion on this page listed in the following art directories. | |
| Century: | |
| Fine 19th Century Artist Index | The 'Fine 19th Century Art' directory contains a selection original works of art created by international painters, illustrators and graphic artists. These original works date from 1800 to 1899. |
| Country: | |
| American Artist Index | The 'American Artist' directory contains a listing of original works of art created by artists from the United States of America, and or art with an American theme. These artworks date from the 17th century to the 20th century. |
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| Children Portrayed in Art Index | The 'Children in Art' directory contains a selection of original works of art with depictions of children. Children at play and at work and their relationships to others (particularly their mothers) are major themes. |
| Posters & Advertising Art | The 'Posters & Advertising Art' directory contains a list of original drawings, watercolors, paintings, lithographs and chromolithographic advertising art, such as fine art posters, cigar labels and trimmings, trade cards, post cards, die-cuts and other interesting forms of advertising. These original works of art were created by international painters, illustrators, watercolor artists and or original printmakers dating as far back as the 19th century and throughout the 20th century. |
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