Advertising

Advertising is meant to persuade, and the themes and techniques of that persuasion reveal a part of the nation's history. The Museum has preserved advertising campaigns for several familiar companies, such as Marlboro, Alka-Seltzer, Federal Express, Cover Girl, and Nike. It also holds the records of the NW Ayer Advertising Agency and business papers from Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Carvel Ice Cream, and other companies. The Warshaw Collection of Business Americana comprises thousands of trade cards, catalogs, labels, and other business papers and images dating back to the late 1700s.

Beyond advertising campaigns, the collections encompass thousands of examples of packaging, catalogs, and other literature from many crafts and trades, from engineering to hat making. The collections also contain an eclectic array of advertising objects, such as wooden cigar-store Indians, neon signs, and political campaign ads.

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the second half of the 19th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the second half of the 19th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce various consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and tokens.
Obverse: Image of a wagon. Legend: BYERS BROTHERS/ SHERMAN TEX. DEALERS IN STANDARD FARM MACHINERY SCHUTTLER WAGONS &c &c/ PARIS 1867/ PHILADELPHIA 1876/ PARIS 1878.
Reverse: Image of a factory. Legend: THE PIONEER WAGON WORKS OF THE WEST/ ESTABLISHED 1843/ PETER SCHUTTLER CHICAGO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1631
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1631
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the second half of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the second half of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and tokens.
Obverse: Image of a factory. Legend: THE PIONEER WAGON WORKS OF THE WEST/ ESTABLISHED 1843/ PETER SCHUTTLER CHICAGO.
Reverse: Image of a wagon. Legend: MFR. OF FARM, FREIGHT, & SPRING WAGONS/ FIRST PREMIUM PARIS 1867 PHILADELPHIA 1876/ SMITH&KEATING, ACTS. KANSAS CITY Mo.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1618
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1618
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and tokens.
Obverse: Bust of Lady Liberty facing left. Her headdress reads “E.Lyon.” Legend: E. LYON./ 424 BROADWAY NEW YORK.
Reverse: Eagle with shield, holding arrows in one talon and a branch in the other. Legend: MAGNETIC POWDER & PILLS/ FOR INSECTS & RATS.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1529
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1529
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: Profile image of a standing horse. The legend reads: FAMOUS SCUFF- PROOF HORSE HIDE.
Reverse: The legend reads: EISENDRATH GLOVE COMPANY/ 173 WEST MADISON STREET/ CHICAGO ILLINOIS.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Eisendrath Glove Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1533
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1533
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: Image of a Popsicle on a stick, the stick reads “Popsicle Patented.” The legend reads: POPSICLE/5 ICLES/EASY TO EAT.
Reverse: Image of a cowboy on a bucking horse. The legend reads: BRONC.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1473
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1473
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: Image of two parasols. The legend reads: MANUFACTURER OF SUNSHADES & C./ CHEAP FOR CASH.
Reverse: The legend reads: HENRY B. FUSSELL/ NO. 2 N. FOURTH ST N.W. CORNER OF MARKET ST. PHILADELPHIA.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1510
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1510
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: I. W. HARPER/ NELSON COUNTY/ KY.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOLD MEDAL WHISKEY.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
I. W. Harper
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1507
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1507
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token around 1863. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token around 1863. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: Image of a walking elephant wearing shoes. The legend reads: STRAIGHT'S ELEPHANTINE SHOE STORE/ 398 BROADWAY/ 1863.
Reverse: The legend reads: REDEEMED AT MY SHOE STORE/ 398 BROADWAY ALBANY N.Y.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1540
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1540
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the second half of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the second half of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce various consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and tokens.
Obverse: Image of a wagon. Legend: MFR. OF FARM, FREIGHT, & SPRING WAGONS/ FIRST PREMIUM PARIS 1867 PHILADELPHIA 1876/ THOS C. CARSON ACT. IOWA CITY IA.
Reverse: Image of a factory. Legend: THE PIONEER WAGON WORKS OF THE WEST/ ESTABLISHED 1843/ PETER SCHUTTLER CHICAGO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1622
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1622
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: BARKER & ILLSLEY HARDWARE/ NAILS & STOVES/ 277 STATE ST CHICAGO.
Reverse: Floral wreath around the rim. The legend reads: BUSINESS CARD.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1500
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1500
On one side of this circular wooden token are two red rings with a red image of a chili pepper in the center.Red text reads: MICROGRAFX CHILI COOK-OFF VOTING TOKEN. On the other side are two red rings with a red image of a bison in the center.
Description
On one side of this circular wooden token are two red rings with a red image of a chili pepper in the center.
Red text reads: MICROGRAFX CHILI COOK-OFF VOTING TOKEN. On the other side are two red rings with a red image of a bison in the center. Red text reads: ONE WOODEN NICKEL 5c. On the edge is written in pencil: COMDEX 11/93.
Compare 2009.3071.826 and 2009.3071.827.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1993
c 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.826
catalog number
2009.3071.826
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This round silver-colored plastic token has a raised border around the edge. Raised text on one side reads "The Power of the Future... NOW;" raised text on the other side reads: There is a prize in your future... Room N111-113 LVCC.Currently not on view
Description
This round silver-colored plastic token has a raised border around the edge. Raised text on one side reads "The Power of the Future... NOW;" raised text on the other side reads: There is a prize in your future... Room N111-113 LVCC.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.806
catalog number
2009.3071.806
nonaccession number
2009.3071
On one side of this circular wooden token is a blue image of a wheel with text reading "ROTARY INTERNATIONAL" in the color of the wood. Above the wheel blue text reads: PLANO, TEXAS. On the other side black text reads: TUIT.Currently not on view
Description
On one side of this circular wooden token is a blue image of a wheel with text reading "ROTARY INTERNATIONAL" in the color of the wood. Above the wheel blue text reads: PLANO, TEXAS. On the other side black text reads: TUIT.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.825
catalog number
2009.3071.825
nonaccession number
2009.3071
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: Image of a top hat. The legend reads: FRANCISCO & CO./ HATTERS.
Reverse: Image of eagle with shield, holding arrows in one talon and a branch in the other. The legend reads: 348 MAIN ST, MEMPHIS, TENN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1535
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1535
This twelve-sided token is made of silver-colored metal. The front has a Windows logo of four panes. Text reads: RD2 PC PUBLISHING POWER MAC OWNERS WISH THEY HAD! The reverse has an image of a wolf's head, above text reading: PART OF THE PACK '89.Currently not on view
Description
This twelve-sided token is made of silver-colored metal. The front has a Windows logo of four panes. Text reads: RD2 PC PUBLISHING POWER MAC OWNERS WISH THEY HAD! The reverse has an image of a wolf's head, above text reading: PART OF THE PACK '89.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1989
ID Number
2009.3071.728
catalog number
2009.3071.728
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular wooden token has black text on one side that reads: MICROGRAFX CHILI COOK OFF 90. It shows a black image of a chili pepper. The other side has a black outlined circle with an image of two chili peppers inside, one of which is steaming.
Description
This circular wooden token has black text on one side that reads: MICROGRAFX CHILI COOK OFF 90. It shows a black image of a chili pepper. The other side has a black outlined circle with an image of two chili peppers inside, one of which is steaming. Around the outer edge of the circle black text reads: PEOPLE'S CHOICE VOTING TOKEN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1990
ID Number
2009.3071.824
catalog number
2009.3071.824
nonaccession number
2009.3071
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: FINE CUTLERY STATIONARY & PAPERHANGINGS/ BOOKS & STATIONARY.
Reverse: The legend reads: R. C. BARCLEY BOOK SELLER & BINDER/ MAIN ST. NORFOLK VA.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1521
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1521
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: Image of a Popsicle on a stick, the stick reads “Popsicle Patented.” The legend reads: POPSICLE/5 ICLES/EASY TO EAT.
Reverse: Image of a smiling boy, possibly Popsicle’s mascot “Popsicle Pete.” The legend reads: POPSICLE LUCKY MEDAL.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1476
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1476
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and tokens.
Obverse: Bust of Lady Liberty facing left, her headdress reads “New York.” Legend: J. L. & D. J. RIKER/ 1852.
Reverse: Image of an eagle with shield, gripping arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other. Legend: SHARPENERS/ KNIFE, SCISSORS & SCYTHE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
date on object
1852
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1494
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1494
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century, after 1928.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century, after 1928. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, and tokens.
Obverse: GOOD FOR -10¢- TOWARD PURCHASE OF 2 LARGE (19 OUNCE) or 1 GIANT FAB. CASH VALUE 1/20¢ 99-54053.
Reverse: TO DEALERS/ OUR SALESMAN WILL REDEEM THIS TOKE FOR 10¢ WHEN CONDITIONS ON REVERSE SIDE HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH. CUSTOMER MUST PAY ANY SALES TAX. VOID IF USE IS PROHIBITED, RESTRICTED OR TAXED. COLGATE-PALMOLIVE CO. JERSEY CITY, N.J.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1928
referenced
Colgate-Palmolive Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1616
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1616
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token around 1959. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token around 1959. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens. This token was included in packets of cigarettes vended from Nedicks locations in New York.
Obverse: Profile of a man facing right. Legend : EAT BETTER FOR LESS/NEDICKS NICKEL
Reverse: REDEEMABLE FOR A/ 5¢ PURCHASE OF FOOD OR DRINK IN NEDICKS STORES/BEFORE DEC. 1959.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1959
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1481
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1481
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: Bust of Emanuel Lyon, facing right. Legend: E. LYON./ 424 BROADWAY NEW YORK.
Reverse: Image of Lady Liberty holding a pole with a liberty cap, a wreath, and surrounded by a shield, cornucopia, plow, sheaf of grain, and spinning wheel. Legend: MAGNETIC POWDER & PILLS/ FOR INSECTS & RATS.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1477
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1477
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: IMPORTERS AND AGENTS FOR SCOVILLS GILT, WILLISTONS LASTING HORN BONE AND ALL OTHER KINDS OF BUTTONS.
Reverse: Image of an eagle with shield, gripping arrows and an olive branch. The legend reads: TAYLORS & RICHARDS/ NO. 45 CEDAR ST./ NEW- YORK.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Taylors & Richards
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1478
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1478
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: Image of a lion’s head. The legend reads: Lion.
Reverse: Image of a Popsicle on a stick, the stick reads “Popsicle Patented.” The legend reads: POPSICLE/10 ICLES/EASY TO EAT.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1496
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1496

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