1887 Boston Advertising Pamphlet – Steel Cross Hair-Pin Co. – Trade Fair Ephemera

Description

Original 19th-century advertising pamphlet for the Steel Cross Hair-Pin Company, located at 32 Ruggles Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

The pamphlet is date-stamped January 1887 and was produced in connection with a Boston industrial or manufacturers’ fair, likely one of the exhibitions sponsored by the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, where new inventions and manufactured goods were showcased to the public.

The text notes that the company was unable to provide samples at the time of printing, but hoped to do so “before the fair closes,” offering insight into late-19th-century product launches and trade-fair marketing practices. Illustrated diagrams explain the patented crossed steel hair-pin design and its claimed advantages over traditional pins.

The reverse side features a handwritten period grocery list, adding a layer of everyday social history and confirming real-world use of the pamphlet rather than it being unused stock.

Measures approximately 7 x 5 inches.

Condition

Original 1887 pamphlet. Fold creases present, along with light surface wear and age-related toning. Date stamp is visible. No restoration or cleaning attempted. Grocery list on the back is original to the piece. Overall condition consistent with late-19th-century paper ephemera.