January 23, 2026 Old West & Native American Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/23/2026
(A) Clipper card on glazed porcelain coated card stock for the MERCHANT'S EXPRESS LINE OF CLIPPER SHIPS, the "MERCHANT" (910 tons), bound for San Francisco via Pier 10, New York. "This splendid vessel was built this year, expressly for the California trade..." Nesbitt & Co. printers, N.Y. Circa 1855-1862.
(B) "FREE TRADE" Sutton & Co's Dispatch Line Clipper Card with original envelope used to ship to a loved one back home. Multicolored ad design on glazed enamel stock, printed by Nesbitt & Co., with illustration of Clipper Ship surrounded by Flags and Stars, card promoting "One of the Finest and Sharpest Clippers Up", rich colors; slightest hint of edge toning, mounting marks on reverse, Very Fine. These cards were in vogue during the 1850s California Gold Rush era and well into the 1860s as the rush to riches was still ongoing.
Condition: Very fine, with some lightly rubbed corners. Strong colors and graphics. Rare in any condition.