Bottles on Paper! Another Way to Advertise

 Advertising over the years has not changed much.  The main purpose for advertising is to promote a specific product and brand recognition.  This has been accomplished in several ways over the years.  One way was to use an illustration of the package or bottle in the advertisement.

 Not everyone could read in late 1800’s and early 1900’s so illustrations were even more important.  How would you know what beer to buy if you didn’t recognize the bottle?  Anheuser Busch Brewing created a series of advertising trade cards with very little text but on the back of the card is a full illustration of the bottles.  See illustration to left.

 In the late 1800’s, advertising trade cards were printed and distributed by different companies.  Bottle illustrations were used primarily in advertising for beer/alcohol, patent medicine, or cologne/perfumes.  Pharmacies were well known to have their names molded into the body of the glass bottle.  Pharmacy bottles were some of the first to use applied paper labels to their glass bottles, well before wine and liquors. Even the printed advertising shows applied paper labels to bottles.

 Unusual illustrations in advertising are always eye catching. The Royal Brewing Company issued a die cut advertising card in the shape of a beer bottle with their brand identified boldly on the front.  This advertisement was used as a promotion directly to pub owners as the inside contains the price by case, drum and cask. Good way to get someone’s attention.

 By the early 1900’s, many companies started using postcard mailings to promote their products (and many still do).  This was very effective in reaching a targeted audience with colorful displays of the product offered, almost like still life art!

 And so it goes on – companies are still using print to promote their products.  Displays of bottles and packaged goods are still eye- catching and a popular way to gain market share and brand recognition.

 To find your own examples of advertising, be sure to visit the Denver Postcard & Paper Show held at the Holiday Inn Lakewood, Hwy 285 & Hampden, on Friday July 19 and Saturday July 20.  The Holiday Inn Ballroom will be filled with postcards, photos, posters, advertising and so much more.  Free parking, excellent restaurant onsite, general admission $5.00 – get $1.00 off when you mention you read this article.  More details at www.denverpostcardshow.com or contact Carol Mobley at 720-308-1516.