OVERVIEW

Au Bon Marché advertising cards were colourful promotional trade cards and postcards produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by the famous Parisian department store Au Bon Marché as part of its marketing strategy. The idea, pioneered by Aristide Boucicaut, the owner of Au Bon Marché, was to give away a new illustrated card each week to children who came to the store with their parents — encouraging repeat visits and building goodwill with families. These were chromolithographed cards — highly decorative printed cards with colourful illustrations — issued by the department store to attract customers. Many depicted charming scenes, children, popular songs, humorous subjects, or artistic designs that appealed to shoppers and especially to children. On the back or accompanying the images were advertising messages about Au Bon Marché, including store information and promotional text.

POSTAGE DISCOUNTS

Pro-rata postage discounts apply with multiple purchases. Excess postage will be refunded once the sets are shipped.

QUALITY AND SCANNING

Cards are scanned front and back using a Canon Lide 400. The scans are not altered and indicate to the best of the technology the quality of the cards. The software is not enabled to straighten edges.  The photos form part of the sales offer and item description. The scale of the image shown tends to heighten any imperfections. Please message if you have any questions.

I try and match quality to the following grading, but please check the photos before ordering:

MINT - As Issued

EXCELLENT - As you would expect, clean cards with sharp edges and corners

VERY GOOD - Generally nice cards, maybe a small mark, light soiling, slight softening of edges or rounding of corners. No Creases. Small gum marks / paper residue apparent.

GOOD - Possibly marked or grubby cards, softening of edges and rounded corners, perhaps a minor crease.

FAIR - Generally in worse condition than 'Good', very worn, could be very dirty or have more obvious marks and creases.

POOR - Badly creased or torn.