Trade card for J. & P. Coats' thread

trade card

Trade card for J. & P. Coats' thread; color lithograph illustration by Ketterlinus (Philadelphia), titled at lower left "CHOOSE THE BEST SHADE" and romantic scene of man and woman on beach under umbrella, man reading book to woman, another couple at the water's edge looking at sloop off shore; open box of thread lower right corner. On back is printed J. & P. Coats' needle and thread numbers for various sewing machine brands; printed at bottom "COPYRIGHTED, 1881, A. S. MARCH & CO., BOSTON." F. Calabretta notes: This card provides a nice seashore scene with a clever twist. The caption "Choose the Best Shade" refers to both the couple with the umbrella and the box of J. & P. Coats thread.