Quick despatch to Melbourne : the American ship S.F. HERSHEY : Henry W. Peabody & Co. Australian Line

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

Printer Rand, Avery & Co

Date1882

Object number00003105

NameClipper card

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 170 x 100 mm, 0.006 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis pocket sized card was used for advertising the voyage of the American clipper ship SF HERSEY, traveling from Boston to Melbourne in November-December 1882. SF HERSEY was used for transporting freight for the Henry W Peabody shipping company under the command of Captain Waterhouse. This eye catching card was printed in four colours and features gold detail. It lists the costs and dates of dispatch for those interested in transporting goods to Australia.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 S F HERSEY was an American clipper ship built at Searsport, Maine. It was used for transporting freight between America and Australia in the late 19th century, a period of transition in ship building technology. SignificanceMost clipper ship cards were discarded after the ships advertised journey had passed. This is a rare surviving example of a clipper card that illustrates the transportation of cargo between America and Australia during the 19th century.