MISCELLANY - Unnumbered
Size:
(approx.) 3" x 5" or 5" x 3"
Date: Undated (but
most likely issued in late 1888 or early 1889)
Lithographer
(where identified):
Geo. S. Harris & Sons
This
series of 100 cards comprises a very eclectic assortment
of subjects and was probably issued and distributed at
the same time as the two Satire series. I believe that
this is the set referred to on the back of some of the
Arbuckles' "Counter" cards as the Artistic series.
It's also sometimes referred to as the "General
Subjects" or "General Interest" series.
(It may also
consist of more than 100 cards - see note below.)
The
front of each card in this group is a multi-colored
illustration, in either a vertical (57) or horizontal
(43) format, depicting one of a wide assortment of
subjects. There are usually three or more similar-looking
cards in any given category. These subjects include
animals, military uniforms, little girls in portrait-type
poses, courtship scenes, religious themes, English
scenes, etc. I've tried to group cards by subject (my own
designations) in the thumbnails below.
The
back of each card consists of one of two styles, printed
in black. Some show a detailed engraving of the Arbuckle
factory buildings and docks, in a horizontal format,
while others contain only the standard "Four
Points"
sales pitch, in a vertical format, explaining the virtues
of Arbuckles' Ariosa Coffee. (See examples.) It seems likely, based
on the cards I have or have seen, that all cards exist
with both style backs. (I've indicated with each
full-size card image the style(s) that I have in my
collection, or at least know for certain to exist.)
This
group of cards appears to be a hodgepodge of stock
illustrations that Arbuckles' simply issued with their
own standard advertising applied to the back. None of
them bear copyright markings. Several of these
illustrations may also be found in the Miscellany
- Numbered
series and on trade cards for other products or
companies. All four Donkeys cards were issued by
Arbuckles' in a slightly different size and format, as
well. Those cards are shown in the Short
Sets
group.
CLICK ON ANY THUMBNAIL TO VIEW FULL
SIZE CARD
(Please
note: The page navigation within this series
does not follow exactly the thumbnail sequence shown
below, although the card groupings are in the same
order.)
| FRUIT |
|
HIGH-WHEEL BICYCLES |
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