1880s CHROMOLITHOGRAPH TRADE CARD, AYER'S SARSAPARILLA, QUACK PATENT MEDICINES for Sale

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1880s CHROMOLITHOGRAPH TRADE CARD, AYER'S SARSAPARILLA, QUACK PATENT MEDICINES For Sale

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1880s CHROMOLITHOGRAPH TRADE CARD, AYER'S SARSAPARILLA, QUACK PATENT MEDICINES:
$9.99

Man holding a bottle of Ayer's Sarsaparilla, bottled in Lowell Mass since 1858. Caimed to remove poisons from blood and treat scrofula, ex. cond.

Item 483989 ◊ 1880s Chromolithograph Trade Card, Ayer's Sarsaparilla, Quack Patent Medicines

A rare and original "1880s Chromolithograph Trade Card, Ayer's Sarsaparilla, Quack Patent Medicines." This lovely Trade Card measures approx. 4-5/8” x 2-3/4" (12 cm x 6.8 cm.)

This extraordinary commercial trade card shows a Man holding a bottle of Ayer's Sarsaparilla and an ad for the same, proudly showing it to his wife. This product was created and bottled by Dr. J. C. Ayer & Co., Lowell Mass beginning in 1858. Ayer's Sarsaparilla was sold as a “blood medicine” and claimed to remove “poisons” from the blood. It purportedly treated diseases, such as scrofula, syphilis, consumption and skin diseases. We know now of course that it probably did not cure any of them.

Regardless the information section on the back of the card makes some pretty bold claims. It is advertised it as a blood purifier that will cure any Scrofula you might have. It contains genuine Honduras Sarsaparilla, and other choice medicinal roots, diuretics, Iodides of Potasium and Iron. it claims to be the most reliable and economical medicine for cleansing your blood ever invented. And it claims, "If there is a lurking taint of Scrofula about you, AYER'S SARSAPARILLA will expel it from your system.

Now, you might be thinking, "I've never heard of Scrofula! I've never had my blood cleansed. Is this a made up disease?" Well, "yes and no." According to information on the internet, Scrofula is type of inflammation of the lymph nodes, and it sometimes presents in cases of Tuberculosis. The reason we might not know about it, is that Tuberculosis and Scrofula are not as common in First World countries. In the United States in 2021, there were only 7,882 reported cases of TB. And scrofula was present in only about 20% of those cases. Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria, it can be treated with antibiotics, but usually takes 6 to 9 months to cure. But without antibiotics in the 1800s, very often getting TB was a death sentence. So you can see why people who thought they might have Scrufola, would be willing to try Dr. Ayer's Sarsaparilla.

The card is interesting for several reasons, one being the chromolithographic design, which is very intricate. The second is that they offer at the bottom of the card to sell their customers a larger 13 X 7 inch version of this Chromolithographic design. That's how popular and collectible these cards were in the Elizabethan Period.

This unique card is in excellent condition with no flaws. The surfaces in front and back are undamaged. The edges and corners are strong, no chipping. The advertising on the back is very clear and easy to read.

Fantastic and very rare "1800s Chromolithograph Trade Card, Ayer's Sarsaparilla, Quack Patent Medicines," is a great addition to any historical advertising collection for display or as a reference guide, or for anyone who needs a chuckle. Like they always say, "Laughter is the best medicine!!

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Be sure to check out our additional listings for a number of other Victorian era advertising trade cards, hand bills, post cards and brochures which are also being offered for sale this week on by PENchantiques.

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