Antique Clark’s O.N.T. Spool Cotton Trade Card – 19th Century Advertising

This is an original antique advertising trade card for Clark’s O.N.T. Spool Cotton, likely from the late 19th century (circa 1880s–1890s).

The front of the card features a colorful, detailed illustration of an African American man fishing, with a large spool of Clark’s cotton at the center. The slogan at the bottom reads: "I reckon dis yer strong nuff suah!" — reflecting period racial stereotypes common in advertising at that time.

The reverse promotes Clark’s O.N.T. spool cotton, stating:

“In white, fast black, and bright colors. Sold everywhere."
It mentions George Clark as the sole agent.

Condition:

Shows age wear, surface tears, and loss on corners (visible in photos)

Bold original colors still visible on the illustration

Minor soiling and foxing typical of period ephemera

This trade card is an important piece of advertising history and also serves as a stark reminder of the racial imagery used in marketing during the 19th century. Highly collectible among ephemera collecto