1883 J. & P. Coats Thread Advertising Fan Die-Cut Paper Trade Card Framed
This charming 1883 chromolithograph advertising fan for J. & P. Coats thread is a wonderful example of Victorian-era paper ephemera at its finest. Presented in a black wooden frame against a soft blush mat, the die-cut fan unfolds in glorious detail — lush garden blooms, a honeybee mid-flight, a bright butterfly, and delicate spring blossoms fill the center panel, while the fan's ribs list the company's thread colors in period typography: Venetian Bronze, Dark Cardinal, Myrtle, Shrimp, Hunter's Green, Sky & Rose, Navy Blue, Crushed Strawberry, Dark Garnet, Olive Green, Rembrandt, and Olive Bronze.
The fan measures 14 inches end to end; the framed piece measures 15 by 10 1/4 inches overall. There is a miniscule mark near the orange poppy in the handle area, consistent with the chromolithograph printing process, and not distracting in the least. The wooden frame is in excellent condition. Dated "1883" on the fan itself; no other markings.
