Trade Card - Desbecker & Co., The Globe Clothiers, Buffalo, N.Y., Circa 1885

This trade card for Desbecker & Co., also known as The Globe Clothiers, Hatters and Furnishers, is from Buffalo, N.Y., dating circa 1885. The front features a colorful lithographic illustration of an anthropomorphic scene. A large cat, depicted as a parent figure, sits and reads a book titled “Very Funny Jokes.” Two smaller kittens accompany it; one pulls a bell cord, while the other covers its ears. The speech bubble above the kittens reads, "O! Pa have some mercy." Below the illustration, the business name and address are prominently displayed. The verso of the card advertises "DOLLARS SAVED. By Trading with the GLOBE," highlighting "LARGEST STOCK, HANDSOMEST STYLES, PERFECT FITTING CLOTHING. LOWEST PRICES in Buffalo." It features a circular logo with a globe design and the text "Clothiers. The Globe. Hatters & Furnishers." The card uses a distinctive style typical of late 19th-century advertising, featuring ornate typography and detailed imagery.

Associated People/Businesses

• David Desbecker
• Desbecker, (David)

Geography

No geographic information available.

Subjects

• Clothing
• Retail trade
• Hats
• Furnishings
• Advertising
• Trade cards
• Anthropomorphism
• Cats
• Humor
• Buffalo, N.Y.
• 19th Century
• Lithography
• Judaica Americana

Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Box 23, Folder 9