Sweeney's
Emporium
P.O.Box 936, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201
800-858-2646 FAX 913-962-2451
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1870-1880's OLD FRONTIER KANSAS TRADE & EXPO CARDS These old time collectibles are often elaborate advertising or event cards that acted as one of the few advertising mediums in the 19th century. They would be the equivalent to today's business card or exposition pass. Essentially, they are mementos of the early western experience. Sadly, few exist today from most western states except perhaps California. Relatively small populations & hard living conditions resulted in few documented artifacts surviving until today. Just about everything was used until it was worn out & then burned or thrown away. It's important to remember Kansas was still a wide-open area during this era. Famous lawmen, frontiersmen & outlaws such as Wyatt Earp, Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill, George Custer & a host of other household names had recently roamed or still lived in this area. Look at the names of these tiny KS hamlets & it's easy to imagine these are the same types of frontier towns characterized by the thousands of western movies & TV series we've all seen. Obviously, the original printing of these trade/expo cards had to limited. How many trade cards did one need in a hamlet of, say, 100-200 people or a county fair that may have drawn a few thousand attendees (at best)? You will see cards from newspapers, contractors, hardware stores, printing shops, local & state fairs & much more. This entire hoard was purchased from a collector who acquired them from the original estate. They have never been offered before. It's a shame to separate them but otherwise you wouldn't have the opportunity to share in this wonderful find. These are perfect "go-withs" for your other western material. And the price is right. Most are available in the $20-50 range. Once they are gone, this group could never be duplicated. In 30 years I've never seen such a superb lot. And the condition is outstanding! I'll wager most examples are unique. Mr. J.S. Gilmore, the owner of many small town KS newspapers, originally accumulated these. His name appears on many of the passes & some trade cards. |
Kansas Cowtown Horse Related Trade Card |
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1881 KS District Fair Complimentary Pass - |
Pass for 1st Fair, |
1872 Complimentary County |
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| Click Here For Saloon Trade Cards |
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Hours: 10:00
a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Central Time - Monday-Friday
Orders 800-858-2646 Questions or Customer Service Call 913-962-2100 FAX 913-962-2451 (Available 24 hrs.) |
