Victorian-era Ads - Beautiful Typography, circa 1852-1876

   I came across some gorgeous typography in an old scrapbook at the Library Company of Philadelphia's online collection. My only regret is that some of the images were too blurry to share here. (Despite my best attempts to enhance them!) 

   But, on the plus side, I did find some great ones to share! 

   Specifically, these are from a scrapbook of print specimens and proofs dated circa 1852 to circa 1876. The library infers that they were "probably compiled by a printer associated with the Philadelphia lithographic firm Stein & Jones." Okay, we'll go with that. 

   McKnight & Co. boasts of their "chemically pure...lead" paint. You don't see that anymore! 

  I don't know about you, but I would have been tempted to stop by Williams & Coons to check out their "Fancy Goods". And not because of their lovely ad. Okay, not just because of that.

  All images are in the public domain. Click any image for a larger version, then save and enjoy!