Late 19th - 2 French Shoe Advertisement Cards - Russian Life Scenes - Spira Paris - Collectible Trade Card Set - Vintage Ephemera

This lot features two exquisite trade cards from the Late 19th century, advertising the 'Manufacture de Chaussures' (Shoe Manufacturing) Spira, located at 70, Boulevard St-Germain in Paris. Each card presents a vibrant chromolithograph depicting scenes of Russian life, a popular exotic theme at the time. These charming pieces of ephemera served as both advertisements and small works of art, collected by many.

One card illustrates 'Moissonneurs russes' (Russian Reapers) working diligently in a field with scythes, while the other portrays a 'Paysanne russe' (Russian Peasant Woman) indoors with a baby resting in a hanging cradle. The reverse side of the cards further details the offerings of 'Manufacture de Chaussures Cousues & Vissées' (Manufacture of Sewn & Screwed Shoes), available 'Pour Hommes, Dames, Fillettes et Enfants' (For Men, Ladies, Girls and Children). Spira advertised a 'GRAND CHOIX DE CHAUSSURES POUR HOMMES A 10 FR.' (GREAT CHOICE OF MEN'S SHOES AT 10 FR.), offering both 'Chaussures de Luxe' (Luxury Shoes) and 'Chaussures de Fatigue' (Work Shoes) for 'GROS & DÉTAIL' (WHOLESALE & RETAIL).