GAMECOCK

Printer Nesbitt & Co

Datec 1863

Object number00008619

NameClipper card

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 130 x 86 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

New York

DescriptionThis pocket sized card was an advertisement for the clipper ship GAMECOCK and its passage to from New York to Melbourne, via Hong Kong. It features a coloured wood-cut print on white enamel with red and blue text. The ship was seeking freight or passengers to board.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 GAMECOCK was a clipper ship that was active in the 19th century. In 1863 it was involved in the trade route between New York and Melbourne, where it loaded 1000 tons of coal in Newcastle to be brought back to San Fransisco. In 1873 it sailed between New York, Melbourne, Newcastle and Hong Kong. In 1874 it sailed betwen Australia, the far East and then New York.SignificanceClipper ship cards of the 19th century rarely survive as they were often discarded after the ships voyage was completed. This card illustrates maritime trade and commerce in Australian during the mid-19th century.