Object of the Day: A Trade Card for J.J. Early & Co. Clothiers

This little Victorian card has quickly become one of my favorites from my collection.  The card is an advertisement for:

J.J. Early & Co

MEN’S & BOYS’ CLOTHIERS

456 & 461 Broadway

Cor. Grand St., N.Y.

But, it’s the image which thrills me.  Depicted is a little boy seated in a tree.  He is dressed as Mr. Punch complete with portly belly and hunchback.  The boy, in his left hand holds two feathers and a champagne bottle and, from his right, he lifts a champagne flute from which a dove is taking a sip.  Yay!

The reverse reads:

NOBBY

Overcoats and Suits for young men; Suitable Overcoats and Suits for older men; all kinds of Overcoats and Suits for boys and children.  Reliable Goods, Latest Styles and Lowest Prices in New York.

-------

J.J. Early & C0.,

459 & 461 Broadway

S.W. Corner of Grand Street,

NEW YORK

I’m not quite sure about the “Nobby.”  Nobby had a variety of meanings.  It’s an affectionate name for Norbert or, oddly enough, for Clark.  The nickname for Clark comes from London where “clerks” (pronounced “clarks,” just as Derby is pronounced “Darby”) wore the bolwer hats known as “nobby” hats.  Nob, in Victorian England, among other things, referred to a “posh” man. I’m guessing this could simply be “Nobby” as in Posh, but it’s American.  So, I just don’t know what this is all about.