Clipper of 22nd November, Shippers' Line San Francisco Packets! The splendid A1 clipper ship MORNING STAR

Maker Shippers' Line of San Francisco Packets (American, 1853 - 1869)

Printer Nesbitt & Co

Datec 1860

Object number00040643

NameClipper card

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsDisplay Dimensions: 166 x 100 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis card is promoting the clipper ship MORNING STAR and its voyage from Boston to San Francisco. It features an illustration of the house flag for the John I Earle shipping line with blue, red and gold text. The MORNING STAR was captured by a Confederate ship in 1863, during the American Civil War. This card was likely produced close to the time that it was seized. After 1863 the MORNING STAR was used on the Australian trade route.HistoryClipper ship cards were one of the advertising methods used by ship owners to promote their vessels and transport schedules. In colourful print and bold designs they publicised the supposedly superior qualities of each vessel, often using images of maritime scenes, mythology, patriotism and women to promote their cause. The cards were largely manufactured during the late-19th century and were designed to be handed out at the docks. They were brighter and more appealing than the newspaper advertisements of the time but often used similar wording. They could be printed in up to seven different colours including blue, red, green white, black, brown, and yellow. Some printers also used gold, bronze and purple. The majority of clipper cards were produced when the popularity of the clipper ship was dwindling and merchants were opting for faster steam powered vessels. Clipper ships were largely active between 1845 and 1875. Their design concentrated on speed instead of cargo capacity, which was a great benefit for shipping companies eager to transport goods quickly. The sleek and graceful ships generated a sense of romance, competition, national pride and innovative technology. They were a symbol of American modernity and fundamental to the expanding global economy. MORNING STAR was a 1105 ton clipper ship launched in 1853 from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In 1863 the vessel was captured by the Confederate commerce raider, ALABAMA, but since the cargo was owned by neutrals the ship was released under a $60,000 bond. Shortly after this the vessel was sold to the British and put on the Australian trade run for the Black Ball Line.SignificanceThis clipper card represents the MORNING STAR and its role in global trade and commerce during the mid-19th century.