T L SWEAT

Maker Henry W Peabody & Co Australian Line (American, founded 1867)

Printer Rand, Avery & Co

Date1881

Object number00032188

NameClipper card

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 164 x 100 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis colour chromolithograph card was used for advertising freight on board the clipper ship T L SWEAT travelling between Boston and Sydney. It depicts the American and Australian Coat of Arms with the seal of the Australian shipping line, Henry W Peabody & Co.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. The T L SWEAT was a clipper ship with a capacity of 550 tons. In 1881 it was under the command of W M Griffin.SignificanceClipper cards were usually discarded after their publicised voyage passed. This surviving card is representative of the transport of cargo and passengers between America and Australia during the 19th century.