Pre-War Cards

‘It’s In The Details’

Title	Thomas D. Murphy Company Blotter
Year	1930s
Size	3″ x 6″
Images	Color
Type	Trade
Number in Set	1

1930s Thomas D. Murphy Company Overview

Ink blotters were generally rectangular cards that were popular in the days of fountain pens. They would usually be kept on desks and were used to allow people to wipe off excess ink. To properly absorb the ink, blotters are generally a little thicker and have a different texture than traditional cards.

This blotter advertised a variety of novelty items for the Thomas D. Murphy Company in Red Oak, Iowa. It prompted companies to advertise through numerous items, such as calendars, pencils, desk items, and more. Below the standard copy was a blank area where individual agents would add their personal contact information. The card is interesting to collectors because of the basketball scene. Over to the left of the card is a color image of two boys playing basketball. One is shooting over a shorter defender and the caption, ‘Over his Head,’ is printed at the bottom.

While not standard trading cards, blotters with sports figures are absolutely collectible. Because they were used to absorb extra ink, you will often find them with ink spots all over them. Ones that haven’t been covered in ink demand a premium.

Blotters were generally an advertisement for a specific product, service, or organization. Along with a picture of a sports figure or team, they usually sought to promote some type of product or business.

1930s Thomas D. Murphy Company Blotter Checklist

This is a standalone issue and not part of a set.

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