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1887 Zachary Taylor Presidential Victorian Trade CardSGC 6 EX/NM – Bufford Lithograph – Nickerson’s 5 & 10 Cent Bazaar, Providence RI
Offered here is a striking Victorian advertising trade card featuring President Zachary Taylor, issued during the late nineteenth-century chromolithography era.
This example has been professionally graded SGC 6 (EX/NM) and displays strong color, crisp printing detail, and excellent overall eye appeal for a Victorian trade card.
SGC Population
According to available SGC population data, very few examples from the Bufford Presidential series have been graded, and no examples are currently recorded above the SGC 6 level. Across the entire presidential series, only eight cards have received the SGC 6 grade, placing this example among the highest graded known examples within the SGC census.
Bufford Lithograph Company
The card was produced by Bufford Lithograph Company of Boston & New York, one of the most respected American chromolithography firms of the nineteenth century. Bufford created a wide range of beautifully printed advertising cards used by merchants throughout the United States.
The lower border of the card bears the printer’s credit:
“Bufford, Boston & New York”
along with the lithographic plate number 485, identifying the design within Bufford’s catalog of trade card illustrations.
The Bufford Presidential Trade Card Series (H602)
This card is part of the well-known Bufford U.S. Presidents portrait series, commonly cataloged by collectors as H602 Presidents.
Produced during the Victorian era, the series features engraved portraits of American presidents accompanied by brief biographical text. Merchants purchased these cards and added their store information to distribute as advertising pieces.
Nickerson’s Great 5 & 10 Cent Bazaar – Providence, Rhode Island
The front of the card includes advertising for:
Nickerson's Great 5 & 10 Cent Bazaar
Providence, Rhode Island
Nickerson’s Great 5 & 10 Cent Bazaar reflects the early era of American “five-and-dime” retailing, when stores began offering a wide assortment of inexpensive household goods, toys, stationery, and novelty items at fixed low prices. These variety stores were an important development in late nineteenth-century American commerce and frequently distributed colorful trade cards like this one as promotional souvenirs for customers.
Nickerson’s operated in Providence’s Westminster Street shopping district, one of the principal retail corridors in New England during the Victorian period.
The reverse of the card is blank, as shown in the photographs.
President Zachary Taylor
Zachary Taylor (1784–1850) served as the 12th President of the United States from 1849 until his death in 1850. A career military officer, Taylor became a national hero following his victories during the Mexican–American War, earning the nickname “Old Rough and Ready.”
Condition
Professionally graded SGC 6 (EX/NM)and encapsulated for long-term preservation.
Highlights include:
• strong chromolithographic color
• clean surfaces
• sharp printing detail
• excellent overall eye appeal
Please review the images carefully, as the card shown is the item you will receive.
