Great American Posters .com
Classic Works of American Illustration
Vintage Ads — a Colorful Chapter in the History of Advertising
Full-color lithography became popular in the late 19th Century, and businesses were starting to use color prints to advertise their products. This was the beginning of print advertising as we know it, and it is fascinating to see how these early proponents used the medium. Some of the brands, such as Ivory Soap and CocaCola are still being advertised today. We have built a collection of some of the most decorative and interesting examples. Each poster is a conversation piece and would add a lot of interest for visitors to your home or office.
About our watermark on the images: Each of the images in this collection has been painstakingly restored, some taking as much as several hours of work. Visitors are welcome to use these images by grabbing from this site, but we want their audience to know the source. The print you purchase will not have a watermark.
Prints of these images are available in various sizes and formats.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-105 Rosenberg's Horse Invigorator
This wonderful work of art depicts two muscular men forcing some kind of potion down the throat of a race horse. Whatever was in that bottle would certainly be illegal a few decades later. Copyright 1861 by Max Rosenberg. Lithography by Sarony, Major, & Knapp, New York. Can be printed in the following sizes: 28x42, 24x36, 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
This wonderful work of art depicts two muscular men forcing some kind of potion down the throat of a race horse. Whatever was in that bottle would certainly be illegal a few decades later. Copyright 1861 by Max Rosenberg. Lithography by Sarony, Major, & Knapp, New York. Can be printed in the following sizes: 28x42, 24x36, 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-110 Dr. D. Jayne's Tonic Vermifuge.
Portrayed in this 1889 litho is the young mother of the child Moses, who appears to be suffering from a severe case of ennui. The quality of the art and printing achieved by Knapp & Co. N.Y. is extraordinary. Can be printed in the following sizes: 40x60, 28x42, 24x36, 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
Portrayed in this 1889 litho is the young mother of the child Moses, who appears to be suffering from a severe case of ennui. The quality of the art and printing achieved by Knapp & Co. N.Y. is extraordinary. Can be printed in the following sizes: 40x60, 28x42, 24x36, 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-102 Dr. Pierce's Family Medicine 1874
This poster features a seriously ill American family that fortunately has purchased something like 18 different medicines that will cure everything from Cholera to a stuffy nose. The lithograph by Clay, Cossack & Company of Buffalo, N.Y. is surprisingly detailed. You can read the detailed labels of many of the medicines. Print sizes: 48x60, 40x50, 32x40, 24x30, 16x20,
This poster features a seriously ill American family that fortunately has purchased something like 18 different medicines that will cure everything from Cholera to a stuffy nose. The lithograph by Clay, Cossack & Company of Buffalo, N.Y. is surprisingly detailed. You can read the detailed labels of many of the medicines. Print sizes: 48x60, 40x50, 32x40, 24x30, 16x20,
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-101 Dr. C.V. Girard's Ginger Brandy
A hapless traveler is very lucky to be found by a frontiersman with bottles of a miracle elixir in his pack. Not only is it a "certain cure" for his ills, it is also a "delightful beverage." Litho by Robertson, Seibert, & Shearman, N.Y. does not have a copyright date but is probably from about 1875. Print sizes: 24x36, 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
A hapless traveler is very lucky to be found by a frontiersman with bottles of a miracle elixir in his pack. Not only is it a "certain cure" for his ills, it is also a "delightful beverage." Litho by Robertson, Seibert, & Shearman, N.Y. does not have a copyright date but is probably from about 1875. Print sizes: 24x36, 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-408 Mother's Bread
General Mills introduced the iconic and fictional character of Betty Crocker as a radio personality sharing recipes in 1924. The Betty Crocker Cookbook came out in 1950. In about 1885, J.A. Dahn & Son of Brooklyn, N.Y. was using "Mother" as the personality for selling their bread. Artwork was created by the Gray Lithography Company of New York. Print sizes: 32x48, 24x36, 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
General Mills introduced the iconic and fictional character of Betty Crocker as a radio personality sharing recipes in 1924. The Betty Crocker Cookbook came out in 1950. In about 1885, J.A. Dahn & Son of Brooklyn, N.Y. was using "Mother" as the personality for selling their bread. Artwork was created by the Gray Lithography Company of New York. Print sizes: 32x48, 24x36, 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-409 Patterson Wholesale Coal
The old man comes downstairs because he thought he heard a burglar but drops his pistol when he discovers his daughter being wooed by a young man. The couple is enjoying the warmth of a coal fire. This remarkably detail-intensive1887 Litho by the Henderson-Achert Company of Cincinnati not only tells the story of the Ohio coal industry but also tells a human story to provide entertainment as an advertising gimmick. Print sizes: 32x48, 24x36, 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
The old man comes downstairs because he thought he heard a burglar but drops his pistol when he discovers his daughter being wooed by a young man. The couple is enjoying the warmth of a coal fire. This remarkably detail-intensive1887 Litho by the Henderson-Achert Company of Cincinnati not only tells the story of the Ohio coal industry but also tells a human story to provide entertainment as an advertising gimmick. Print sizes: 32x48, 24x36, 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-702 Union Metallic Cartridge Company
Painting by well known artist Gilbert William Gaul (1855-1919) portrays the saga of Molly Pitcher at Monmouth during the Revolutionary War. It is interesting that the cartridge company chose a famous story rather than a portrayal of its product. The canon was loaded with gun powder and canon balls, not cartridges. The litho company that made this print in 1897 is not recorded. Possible sizes: 30x40, 24x32, 22x28, 18x24, and 12x16.
Painting by well known artist Gilbert William Gaul (1855-1919) portrays the saga of Molly Pitcher at Monmouth during the Revolutionary War. It is interesting that the cartridge company chose a famous story rather than a portrayal of its product. The canon was loaded with gun powder and canon balls, not cartridges. The litho company that made this print in 1897 is not recorded. Possible sizes: 30x40, 24x32, 22x28, 18x24, and 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-401 Coca-Cola
Unfortunately, we have no information on the illustrator for this work or on the lithography company that printed it in the 1890's. What we can say is that this is an extraordinary piece with intricate detail and amazing print quality. Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
Unfortunately, we have no information on the illustrator for this work or on the lithography company that printed it in the 1890's. What we can say is that this is an extraordinary piece with intricate detail and amazing print quality. Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-411 Rob Roy Wheat
Here is another poster that tells a story, this time a sort of lecherous love story. The young kitchen maid, who is "Simply Perfection"… like the "Quality of Rob Roy." has blocked the advances of her admirer by pushing him away with flour-covered hands. In the age of television, ads often have plots, but in 1895, the poster was the only visual medium for creative advertisers. Artwork and lithography by Julius Bien & Company, New York.
Here is another poster that tells a story, this time a sort of lecherous love story. The young kitchen maid, who is "Simply Perfection"… like the "Quality of Rob Roy." has blocked the advances of her admirer by pushing him away with flour-covered hands. In the age of television, ads often have plots, but in 1895, the poster was the only visual medium for creative advertisers. Artwork and lithography by Julius Bien & Company, New York.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-303 High Grade Cigarettes
More than 80 years before Philip Morris Tobacco Co. came up with "Virginia Slims" as a way to promote cigarette smoking for women, Wm S. Kimball & Co, a major cigarette manufacturer in Rochester, New York, produced this poster with apparently the same idea. The litho company that created this poster in about 1880 is not recorded. Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
More than 80 years before Philip Morris Tobacco Co. came up with "Virginia Slims" as a way to promote cigarette smoking for women, Wm S. Kimball & Co, a major cigarette manufacturer in Rochester, New York, produced this poster with apparently the same idea. The litho company that created this poster in about 1880 is not recorded. Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-205 Bock Beer - 1883
In keeping with a German tradition, bock beer is associated with goats. Apparently, there was in the 1880's a competition among brewers, lithography companies, and their artists to see who could use this tradition in the most creative ways. This poster is either extremely creative or over the top by modern standards. It does command attention. Published by Schile & Sons., New York. Print sizes: 40x50, 32x40, 24x30, 16x20, 12x16.
In keeping with a German tradition, bock beer is associated with goats. Apparently, there was in the 1880's a competition among brewers, lithography companies, and their artists to see who could use this tradition in the most creative ways. This poster is either extremely creative or over the top by modern standards. It does command attention. Published by Schile & Sons., New York. Print sizes: 40x50, 32x40, 24x30, 16x20, 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-402 Ivory Soap
1n 1898, when the Proctor & Gamble company of Cincinnati wanted a poster to advertise their soap, they turned to Strobridge & Co. Lithographers. Strobridge of Cincinnati was amazingly skillful and prolific, producing hundreds of beautifully printed and elaborate posters for vaudeville shows, famous performers of the day, and, the circus show of Barnum & Bailey. This litho, by contrast, is quite simple in style. The company continued to use the slogan, "It Floats," for another 50 or 60 years. I always thought it an odd advertising point because it really means the soap has more air and less soap than other brands. Print sizes: 24x36, 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
1n 1898, when the Proctor & Gamble company of Cincinnati wanted a poster to advertise their soap, they turned to Strobridge & Co. Lithographers. Strobridge of Cincinnati was amazingly skillful and prolific, producing hundreds of beautifully printed and elaborate posters for vaudeville shows, famous performers of the day, and, the circus show of Barnum & Bailey. This litho, by contrast, is quite simple in style. The company continued to use the slogan, "It Floats," for another 50 or 60 years. I always thought it an odd advertising point because it really means the soap has more air and less soap than other brands. Print sizes: 24x36, 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-901 Hoffman House Bar
In the 1890's Hoffman House Hotel in the 2400 block of Broadway was one of the finest in New York, and its bar was the place to meet for the wealthy elite. Among the attractions was a huge painting, "Nymphs & Satyr" by French artist Adolphe Bouguerau. Lithography by H. A. Thomas & Wylie's Lith. Co. of New York. Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
In the 1890's Hoffman House Hotel in the 2400 block of Broadway was one of the finest in New York, and its bar was the place to meet for the wealthy elite. Among the attractions was a huge painting, "Nymphs & Satyr" by French artist Adolphe Bouguerau. Lithography by H. A. Thomas & Wylie's Lith. Co. of New York. Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-204 Come in Don't Fear
A welcoming poster for a tavern. "Hier ist gut sein" translates to Here is good to be. Copyrighted by Hermann Rueling, but no copyright date is recorded. Print sizes: 40x50, 32x40, 24x30, 16x20, 12x16.
A welcoming poster for a tavern. "Hier ist gut sein" translates to Here is good to be. Copyrighted by Hermann Rueling, but no copyright date is recorded. Print sizes: 40x50, 32x40, 24x30, 16x20, 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-701 The Flying Merkel Motorcycle
In 1902, Joe Merkel was designing motorcycle engines in Pottstown, PA. In 1903, he built his first motorcycle with a 316 cc engine. In 1908 he started the Light Manufacturing and Foundry company and sold cycles under the name “Merkel Light.” In 1911, Miami Cycle and Manufacturing Company in Middletown, Ohio took over and marketed the cycle as the “Flying Merkel.” Indian motorcycles were produced in Springfield, Massachusetts starting in 1901. The Harley Davidson company was founded in 1903 in Milwaukee. Print sizes: 16x24, 12x18.
In 1902, Joe Merkel was designing motorcycle engines in Pottstown, PA. In 1903, he built his first motorcycle with a 316 cc engine. In 1908 he started the Light Manufacturing and Foundry company and sold cycles under the name “Merkel Light.” In 1911, Miami Cycle and Manufacturing Company in Middletown, Ohio took over and marketed the cycle as the “Flying Merkel.” Indian motorcycles were produced in Springfield, Massachusetts starting in 1901. The Harley Davidson company was founded in 1903 in Milwaukee. Print sizes: 16x24, 12x18.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-305 J.T. Plug Tobacco
"These three men — they all agree that not tobacco beats J.T." Like many other ads, this poster does not have a dated copyright notice, but it was probably created around 1890. Art and Lithography by Woodward & Tiernan Printing Company, St. Louis. Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
"These three men — they all agree that not tobacco beats J.T." Like many other ads, this poster does not have a dated copyright notice, but it was probably created around 1890. Art and Lithography by Woodward & Tiernan Printing Company, St. Louis. Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-311 Seal of North Carolina
Two young women dressed as if they were in ancient Rome on a 19th Century shore are the focal point of this elaborate 1879 poster for the Marburg Brothers tobacco company. The artist and lithography company are not recorded.
Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
Two young women dressed as if they were in ancient Rome on a 19th Century shore are the focal point of this elaborate 1879 poster for the Marburg Brothers tobacco company. The artist and lithography company are not recorded.
Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-103 Dr. Roback's Stomach Bitters Wonderful artwork of a woman apparently feeling no pain as she stands on a cloud and stares down an Eagle lurking ominously over her shoulder. Stomach bitters were a popular elixir in the 19th Century. It was basically an alcoholic beverage with botanical ingredients for flavor and medicinal value such as aromatic herbs, fruit, bark, and roots. 1866. "Lith. & Printed in Oil Colors by Gibson & Co. 123 Main St. Cincinnati."
Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-201 - Eckert & Winters Bock
Brewers of Bock beer came to this country from Germany and brought with them the tradition of the goat symbol. This 1877 image is, by modern standards, "over the top," and loads of fun. Publisher F. Klemm of Baltimore was known for its beer advertising. Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
Brewers of Bock beer came to this country from Germany and brought with them the tradition of the goat symbol. This 1877 image is, by modern standards, "over the top," and loads of fun. Publisher F. Klemm of Baltimore was known for its beer advertising. Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-403 Adams California Fruit Gum
Naysa McMein (1888-1949), who created this image for the Adams Company, was a well known and prolific in the early 20th Century. Having studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Art Students League of New York, she went to France during WWI to entertain the troops. She made posters to support the war effort. After the war, she painted portraits of well known people and illustrations for advertisers, including the famous "Betty Crocker." She became extremely successful as a magazine cover and advertising illustrator. Print sizes: 18x24, 12x16.
Naysa McMein (1888-1949), who created this image for the Adams Company, was a well known and prolific in the early 20th Century. Having studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Art Students League of New York, she went to France during WWI to entertain the troops. She made posters to support the war effort. After the war, she painted portraits of well known people and illustrations for advertisers, including the famous "Betty Crocker." She became extremely successful as a magazine cover and advertising illustrator. Print sizes: 18x24, 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-404 Adams California Fruit Gum
Ruth Roland, the model for this ad, was a famous star of the early 20th Century, appearing in over 200 films. Here, she is depicted as having what can only be described as a sensual relationship with the fruit. Powerful suggestive advertising for the early 1920's. Print sizes: 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
Ruth Roland, the model for this ad, was a famous star of the early 20th Century, appearing in over 200 films. Here, she is depicted as having what can only be described as a sensual relationship with the fruit. Powerful suggestive advertising for the early 1920's. Print sizes: 20x30, 16x24, 12x18.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-203 Fresh & Cold Lager - 1877
While humans, suffering from the heat of the sun look on, a polar bear family is basking in arctic coolness and enjoying cool, fresh lager beer. In the background, one bear is kicking back with a cigar, while another feeds lager to her baby bear. Apparently, a tavern would use this poster to draw customers in from the heat of the day. Does it get the point across?
Published by F. Klemm, Baltimore. Litho by A. Hoen & Co., Baltimore. Print sizes: 32x40, 24x30, 16x20, 12x16.
While humans, suffering from the heat of the sun look on, a polar bear family is basking in arctic coolness and enjoying cool, fresh lager beer. In the background, one bear is kicking back with a cigar, while another feeds lager to her baby bear. Apparently, a tavern would use this poster to draw customers in from the heat of the day. Does it get the point across?
Published by F. Klemm, Baltimore. Litho by A. Hoen & Co., Baltimore. Print sizes: 32x40, 24x30, 16x20, 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-112 Loring's Fat-Ten-U
The perfect solution for ladies who are too thin. This mysterious wink tells us she is about to let us in on her special secret for filling out. "Copyright by the Griller Bank Note Co. From Photo by Bakers Art Gallery." Print sizes: 16x24, 12x18. Image is very narrow. Extra white margin is added to the sides to conform to standard size for pricing.
The perfect solution for ladies who are too thin. This mysterious wink tells us she is about to let us in on her special secret for filling out. "Copyright by the Griller Bank Note Co. From Photo by Bakers Art Gallery." Print sizes: 16x24, 12x18. Image is very narrow. Extra white margin is added to the sides to conform to standard size for pricing.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-206 Pfaff Lager Beer
This poster promotes a particular brewery. The logic of the story will have to stand on its own. There are goats; two Satyrs who apparently are in the mix to celebrate hedonism; and sitting on a keg, a hunter with his dog. Under the hunter are the words, "Vell we vont count dis one." Artwork by D. Drummond. Litho by A. Trochsler & Co., Boston. Copyright date is not recorded. Print Sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
This poster promotes a particular brewery. The logic of the story will have to stand on its own. There are goats; two Satyrs who apparently are in the mix to celebrate hedonism; and sitting on a keg, a hunter with his dog. Under the hunter are the words, "Vell we vont count dis one." Artwork by D. Drummond. Litho by A. Trochsler & Co., Boston. Copyright date is not recorded. Print Sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-114 Old Sachem Bitters
47 years before the Food and Drug Act of 1906, this poster uses the image of a Native American chief as a symbol of stately strength and perfect health to promote what is essentially a strong alcoholic potion. It will make you feel strong… for a little while. Lithography by Sarony, Major & Kanpp, New York. Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
47 years before the Food and Drug Act of 1906, this poster uses the image of a Native American chief as a symbol of stately strength and perfect health to promote what is essentially a strong alcoholic potion. It will make you feel strong… for a little while. Lithography by Sarony, Major & Kanpp, New York. Print sizes: 36x48, 30x40, 24x32, 18x24, 12x16.
Click on Image to enlarge.
VA-312 Venus Tobacco
Printed by Duval & Hunter between 1869 and 1874, this item looks more like a package label than a poster. Print sizes: 16x30, 12x22, 10x18.
Printed by Duval & Hunter between 1869 and 1874, this item looks more like a package label than a poster. Print sizes: 16x30, 12x22, 10x18.
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