OVERVIEW

Sigmund Spear (1870–1921) was part of the Spear family (of J. W. Spear & Söhne, the later board-game manufacturer).He ran a lithographic art printing firm (“Kunstanstalt”) that produced colourful advertising ephemera for consumer brands. The firm printed trade cards, poster stamps, labels and picture series used in shops and packaged goods.

Sigmund SPEAR (Spear Kunstanstalt) advertising cards were a large group of illustrated trade cards, poster-stamps and collectible picture cards produced mainly in Germany (including Dresden) around 1890–1925. They are now a recognised field of ephemera and postcard/trade-card collecting.

The advert on the reverse promotes specific polishes for different household items, emphasizing their effectiveness in saving time and money.

Pommade Diamantée and Mine de plomb Belgica are for stoves.

Pommade Napoleon is for brass.

Pommade Dixi is for fine shoes.

La Meubleine is for furniture, linoleum, and marble/mantels.

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.