Trade Cards

During the latter part of the Victorian era (1839-1901) the cat, illustrated in various designs and activities, could be found in magazine and newspaper ads as early as 1874.

Prior to the introduction of reasonably priced magazine advertising came the trade card. Trade cards, small cards containing vendor information and sometimes a black/white illustration, were introduced during the 1700's and given to customers by tradesmen as a way for customers to remember where they obtained a product or service. In 1853, a duty on advertisement in Britain was abolished, and the trend toward mass advertising started to grow by leaps and bounds.