RED ROVER Shippers' Line packets San Francisco - Clipper of Friday February 20th

Maker John J. Eagle & Company (American, founded 1850)

Datec 1857

Object number00008609

NameClipper card

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 139 x 82 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis pocket sized card is an advertisement for freight on board the clipper ship RED ROVER. It is illustrated with an engraving of a girl being abducted by an Indian. The RED ROVER belonged to the shipping line E & Co, who regularly shipped packets out of San Francisco.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 RED ROVER was an extreme clipper ship chartered by the E & Co shipping line. In 1859 it was involved in transporting Chinese passengers to Melbourne for the Australian gold rush. In 1861 the vessel was sold to the Black Ball Line and renamed YOUNG AUSTRALIA. It wrecked off Moreton Island in 1972 on its way from Brisbane to Liverpool.SignificanceClipper ship cards of the 19th century rarely survive as they were often discarded when the ship sailed. This card highlights maritime trade and commerce between England and Australia during the mid-19th century.