Fisher, Richards & Co's Australian Shippers Line of Clipper Ships - for Melbourne, direct. The magnificent A1 Boston clipper bark QUICKSTEP.

Printer Nesbitt & Co

Date1859

Object number00008612

NameClipper card

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 104 x 69 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis card is an advertisement for the QUICKSTEP of the Ricards & Co Australian shipping line. It consists of a wood-cut coloured print on white enamel with black and gold printed text. The QUICKSTEP was a small clipper ship of 900 tons that was capable of carrying freight and passengers. In 1859 it was bound for Melbourne out of Boston, a journey that previously took the vessel 83 days to complete.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 QUICKSTEP was an A1 class clipper ship with a capacity of 900 tons. It was active on the Australian trade route carrying passengers and freight. In 1859 it was under the command of H Odell. SignificanceClipper ship cards of the 19th century rarely survive as they were often discarded after the ship sailed. This card highlights maritime trade and commerce between America and Australia during the mid-19th century Australian gold rush.