On thin, paper stock - not gummed. Showing barely any signs of age, wear and handling. No major issues to note. Eye-catching embossed typefaces / fonts. Color is vibrant. Overall, in good to very good condition. Will display well in your collection. You will receive the exact piece shown in the photos. It measures approx. 2" dia.

===============================================================

I. W. Harper Whiskey — Embossed Gold Medal Advertising Seal — c. 1904–1915 An attractive early 20th-century circular advertising seal for I. W. Harper Whiskey, one of America's best-known historic Kentucky bourbon brands. The piece features brilliant red printing with contrasting white lettering, arranged within a decorative double-ring border. Particularly noteworthy is the embossed printing, clearly visible on the reverse, where the lettering and ornamental details appear as raised impressions. The central inscription reads “I. W. Harper Whiskey,” surrounded by the promotional statement “Awarded Gold Medals — Paris, Chicago and New Orleans.” The bold lettering and circular arrangement give the piece the appearance of an award medallion, emphasizing the whiskey's international recognition. The reverse is unprinted and displays the substantial embossing created during manufacture. This raised lettering and decorative border would have given the seal a tactile quality, distinguishing it from ordinary flat-printed advertising labels. Company history I. W. Harper Whiskey was developed by Isaac Wolfe Bernheim (1848–1945), a German-born immigrant who became one of the most prominent figures in Kentucky's whiskey industry. Bernheim and his brother Bernard established a successful liquor business in Louisville, eventually developing I. W. Harper into a nationally and internationally recognized whiskey brand. The name I. W. Harper was a commercial brand identity rather than the name of an actual distiller. The whiskey became especially well known for its quality claims and extensive advertising, particularly its references to awards received at major international exhibitions. Bernheim was also a noted philanthropist, best remembered for establishing the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Kentucky. Dating and exhibition awards The wording provides several useful historical clues. The label refers to gold medals associated with three important international exhibitions: - New Orleans, 1884–1885: World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition. - Chicago, 1893: World's Columbian Exposition. - Paris, 1900: Exposition Universelle. The Paris reference establishes 1900 as the earliest possible production date, assuming the medal refers to the 1900 exhibition. An approximate date of 1900–1915, with the early 1900s particularly plausible, is suggested by the design, embossing, and award references. Notably, the seal does not mention the Grand Prize associated with the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, an award prominently featured in some subsequent I. W. Harper advertising. This omission raises the possibility that the design originated between 1900 and 1904, although it could certainly have remained in use afterward. Format and condition The circular format and embossed construction suggest that the piece was intended as a decorative advertising seal, possibly for application to whiskey packaging, promotional literature, or other commercial materials. The reverse shows no printed text, but clearly preserves the impressions of the embossed design. The red printing remains vivid, with strong contrast between the background and lettering. Minor age-related toning and slight edge irregularities are visible. An appealing example of pre-Prohibition American whiskey advertising, particularly interesting for its embossed construction, vivid red-and-white design, and references to international exhibition awards that helped establish the reputation of I. W. Harper Whiskey.

==============================================================

**Shipped securely in a poly sleeve, sandwiched in cardboard, inside a small rigid mailer via USPS Ground Advantage service w/ tracking**

Click HERE to see matchbooks I have available.
Click HERE to see transit and trade tokens I have available.
Click HERE to see billheads I have available.
Click HERE to see letterheads I have available.

For U.S. based orders, the shipping cost for the first purchase is $4.00 and no extra cost for additional similar items such as billheads, letterheads, tickets, patches, post cards, trade cards, stock certificates that can safely be shipped in the same package.

I have over 65,000 unique items here on eBay - Click HERE to visit my store & save with combined shipping for multiple buys.

For U.S. orders on a PC, use the "add to cart" feature to select multiple items before paying. If the cart does not combine shipping costs, I will refund excess fees as I pack your order the following morning.

I have enjoyed buying and selling vintage collectibles for over 40 years. Unless noted otherwise, all items I offer are original and not reproductions.

Please review photos for condition issues (if any) as they are part of the description, and contact me with questions before bidding or buying.

All items are securely packed and shipped via USPS. Please rely on my 25+ yr. 13,000+ 99.9% feedback rating as a guide to your buying decision.

I hope all is well with you and your family — thanks for stopping by!
– Jerry