For Sydney, NSW, the clipper barque DEVON

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

Date1882

Object number00003107

NameClipper card

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 170 x 100 mm, 0.006 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis card was used for advertising a voyage on board the clipper ship DEVON. It features the American Coat of Arms, the Australian Coat of Arms and logo of the shipping line Henry W Peabody & Co. The card was promoting the ship's passage from Boston to Melbourne, Australia in August 1882 and calling for 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 DEVON was a tea clipper bark that could carry up to 1148 tons. It operated under the shipping company of Henry W Peabody & Co carrying cargo from Boston, Massachusetts to Sydney, NSW. In 1882 it was commanded by Captain Barran.SignificanceThis is a rare example of a surviving clipper ship card. Often these pocket sized advertisements were discarded after the ship's voyage passed. This card represents the transportation of cargo between America and Australia during the 19th century.