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Glidden & Williams Line for San Francisco from Lewis Wharf. The beautiful First Class extreme clipper ship FLYING EAGLE
Glidden & Williams Line for San Francisco from Lewis Wharf. The beautiful First Class extreme clipper ship FLYING EAGLE

Glidden & Williams Line for San Francisco from Lewis Wharf. The beautiful First Class extreme clipper ship FLYING EAGLE

Maker (American, 1850 - 1869)
Datec 1865
Object number00008607
NameClipper card
MediumPaper
DimensionsOverall: 170 x 109 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis clipper card is advertising freight on board the extreme clipper ship FLYING EAGLE, travelling from Boston to Australia. It features a coloured illustration depicting a flying eagle holding the American flag in its mouth. FLYING EAGLE belonged to the Glidden and Williams Line of Boston and made trips to Australia under the command of John Hayes.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 FLYING EAGLE was an extreme clipper ship that was chartered for the Glidden and Williams Line. In 1865 it was commanded by John Hayes and used for carrying freight and passengers on the Australian trade route.SignificanceIt is rare to find surviving clipper ship cards in good condition as they were often discarded when the ship sailed. This card is representative of the FLYING EAGLE and its role transporting passengers and freight to Australia during the 1860s.