For Melbourne, the American Barque TILLIE BAKER

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

Date1882

Object number00003106

NameClipper card

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 170 x 100 mm, 0.006 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis card is a multi-coloured advertisement for the clipper ship TILLIE BAKER, used for transporting cargo between Boston and Melbourne. The top of the card features the American Coat of Arms, Australian Coat of Arms and the logo of the Henry W Peabody & Co Australian shipping line. This advertisement uses the colours pink, blue, gold and black to promote the vessel.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 TILLIE BAKER was an American clipper ship that carried cargo to Melbourne, Australia. It could hold up to 719 tons and is known to have operated under the shipping line of Henry W Peabody, out of Lewis Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts.SignificanceThis is a rare clipper ship card in excellent condition. Usually the small cards were discarded when the ship's advertised departure date passed. This card highlights the transportation of cargo and passengers between America and Australia during the 19th century.