NELLIE CHAPIN

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

Printer Fred Rogers

Date1867

Object number00008616

NameClipper card

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 166 x 102 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis card was an advertisement for the clipper ship NELLIE CHAPIN and its passage from Boston to Melbourne in 1867. It consists of a coloured wood-cut illustration on white enamel featuring the logo of the Henry W Peabody & Co Australian shipping line and the Coat of Arms of America and Australia. The NELLIE CHAPIN had only recently been launched when this card was printed.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 NELLIE CHAPIN was a clipper ship chartered by the Australian shipping line, Henry W Peabody & Co. It was used for transporting freight and passengers on the Australian trade route. SignificanceClipper ship cards of the 19th century rarely survive as they were often discarded when the ship left port. This card illustrates maritime trade and commerce in Australian during the mid-19th century.