Historical Advertising Appraisal

A Victorian-era 'Goldback' Advertising Card from 1899

This item is a vintage advertising card, commonly referred to as a 'Goldback,' dating to the year 1899. The card is rectangular in shape, predominantly featuring a golden-yellow metallic sheen that covers the majority of its surface, giving it its 'goldback' designation. The design is elaborately detailed, typical of the Victorian era's aesthetic. A central illustration depicts a woman, dressed in period clothing, seated beneath a large, gnarled tree. Several dogs are at her feet, and to her left, there's a structure that appears to be a well or fountain with a cross-like element on top. The artwork is rendered in a black or dark outline style against the golden background. Textual elements are present: at the top, 'GOLD BACK' is visible, partially obscured but clearly part of the title. Below the main image, in a decorative banner, the year '1899' is prominently displayed alongside the phrase 'THOU CANST NOT HAVE GOD,' and smaller, less legible text underneath. The card has a decorative border, particularly visible on the left side, which features a crest or shield-like emblem with intricate scrollwork. The overall color scheme is golden yellow, green, and black, with the green likely forming the border and some background elements. The card appears to be made of sturdy paper or thin cardstock with a metallic foil application. It is currently housed within a clear plastic sleeve, indicating an effort to protect it. Given its age, the card appears to be in relatively good condition, with some potential minor wear around the edges, though the plastic sleeve makes a precise assessment difficult. The metallic finish still retains much of its luster, suggesting good preservation over the years. The imagery and text strongly suggest it is an advertisement or a collectible that leveraged a popular aesthetic of its time.