{"product_id":"late-19th-humorous-victorian-advertising-motto-card-customizable-blank-sign-street-scene-with-struggling-men-and-dog-ephemera","title":"Late 19th - Humorous Victorian Advertising Motto Card - Customizable Blank Sign - Street Scene with Struggling Men and Dog - Ephemera","description":"This charming Late 19th-century trade card, also known as a 'carte à devise' (motto card) or 'carte fantaisie' (fancy card), showcases a humorous street scene. The illustration depicts two men energetically struggling to carry a large, blank rectangular sign through a bustling urban landscape. One man's top hat has comically fallen from his head, while a small dog barks excitedly at their feet, adding to the dynamic and slightly chaotic atmosphere. In the background, period-appropriate buildings, a streetlamp, and a woman in a long dress provide historical context, evoking the daily life of the era.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe prominent empty rectangular space on the sign was deliberately left blank, serving as a customizable area. This allowed printers or local merchants to personalize the card with their unique store names, advertisements, or even witty spiritual messages. Such cards were a popular form of promotional ephemera, distributed to prospective customers to leave a memorable and distinctive impression. They represent a fascinating glimpse into Victorian-era marketing strategies and everyday visual culture. ","brand":"AW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55691198955868,"sku":"0205-05","price":3.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0939\/8491\/5804\/files\/IMG_0979_06390fb9-d04c-4a26-b1ec-269bfa62193a.jpg?v=1760111549","url":"https:\/\/www.authentic-wonders.com\/products\/late-19th-humorous-victorian-advertising-motto-card-customizable-blank-sign-street-scene-with-struggling-men-and-dog-ephemera","provider":"Authentic Wonders","version":"1.0","type":"link"}