Dando Phila. Trade Cards Set and Checklist
‘It’s In The Details’
| Title | Dando, Phila. Trade Cards |
| Year | c1880s |
| Size | 3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ |
| Images | Blue Ink |
| Type | Trade Cards |
| Number in Set |
4 (?) |
Dando Phila. Trade Cards Overview
This is a series of trade cards with little known about them.
The cards picture children performing a variety of activities. Two cards, those for tennis and archery, depict sports. Others depict non-sports subjects, including a child magician and child mechanic. The key to the series is the tennis card, featuring a mixed doubles match (shown here).
The set of cards bear no text other than the title of the image and the words “Dando, Phila” — presumably the name of a lithographer or artist in Philadelphia, PA. Backs of the cards I have seen are blank, though, others could have advertisements printed on them.
Pictures are distinct, created in blue ink against dark backgrounds. They are somewhat illuminated through the use of white to make the bodies of subjects stand out. Interestingly, all of the subtitles for the pictures are in French, save for the card of tennis, which is called, “Royal Lawn Tennis.”
Like other trade cards, dating this series is difficult with few clues to its true origin. But like most trade issues, these would appear to have been issued in the late 19th century.
Dando Phila. Trade Cards Checklist
To date, I have observed a total of four cards in this series. More, however, may exist.
- Le Petit Magicien
- Le Petit Mecanicien
- Royal Lawn Tennis
- Tir A Laro
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