Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Sailing card for CHAMPION from New York
Sailing card for CHAMPION from New York

Sailing card for CHAMPION from New York

Printer
Date1862
Object number00008614
DCMITypeStill image
NameClipper card
MediumPaper
DimensionsOverall: 106 x 69 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionA sailing card advertising for freight and passage on board the Fisher, Ricards & Co. Australian Shippers' Line clipper CHAMPION from New York to Melbourne and to other Australasian ports (Sydney, Geelong, Adelaide and New Zealand). This pocket sized promotion features a blue and gold coloured wood-cut print on enamel card. The CHAMPION was chartered by the Australian shippers line Fisher, Ricards and Co and used for transporting passengers and freight.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 CHAMPOIN was an A1 class clipper ship with a capacity of 1054 tons. It operated under the Fisher, Ricards & Co Australian shipping line. The CHAMPION carried freight and passengers on the Australian trade route making stops at Sydney, Geelong, Adelaide and New Zealand.SignificanceClipper ship cards of the 19th century rarely survive as they were often discarded when the ship sailed. This card illustrates maritime trade, immigration and commerce in Australia during the mid-19th century.