Historical Business Cards Appraisal

Vintage Saloon and Bar Business Cards (Set of 3)

This collection consists of three vintage business cards, likely dating from the late 19th or early 20th century, advertising establishments specializing in wines, liquors, and cigars. Two of the cards are identical in design and advertise 'THE NATIONAL' saloon, managed by Hy. W. Klosterman, located at 2000 East Grand Avenue. These two cards feature a simple, classic typeface for 'THE NATIONAL' with decorative flourishes, and list 'Choice Wines, Liquors and Cigars.' They are rectangular with rounded corners, printed on what appears to be light cream or off-white cardstock. Visible condition issues include significant discoloration, foxing, and some dark scuff marks or minor abrasions, particularly on the second 'THE NATIONAL' card, suggesting considerable age and handling. One of 'THE NATIONAL' cards has a handwritten '811' in its upper right quadrant. The third card, for 'JUNIOR SALOON', owned by Henry Honerkamp, and located at 'Sixth and Lucas Ave., ST. LOUIS, MO.', also advertises 'Fine Wines, Liquors and Cigars.', noting 'Imported and Domestic Goods' and 'Fine Merchants' Lunch Served All Day.' This card exhibits a slightly different aesthetic, with more ornate typography for 'JUNIOR SALOON' and a small illustrative detail (possibly a cherub or similar figure) above the lunch offering. It displays a prominent crease or fold line across the upper left corner and general age-related discoloration. All cards appear to be constructed from a medium-weight paper or light cardstock, indicative of common printing practices of the era. The presence of 'Kinloch D 444' phone numbers on 'THE NATIONAL' cards and 'Phones, Kinloch A 1923' on the 'JUNIOR SALOON' card provides a strong indicator of their age, likely pre-dating rotary dial phones or at least from an era where switchboard operators were common for such numbers. The craftsmanship is typical of commercially printed ephemera of the period, utilitarian yet with attention to readable and appealing design.