Lautz Bros. & Co. Soap [trade card with chromolithographed illustration of Koko from The Mikado]

Buffalo, NY: Lautz Bros. & Co., 1885. 1 card (10.8 x 7 cm.) with chromolithographed illustration of stereotypical Japanese man in robes with a fan and a tall sword (often identified as Koko from The Mikado, which opened in 1885). The back contains an advertisement for "J. V. Fox, dealer in groceries & provisions" in Port Byron, NY. In exchange for wrappers from Lautz Bros. & Co.'s Marseilles White Soap, J. V. Fox would send a chromolithograph or a set of picture cards. No date of publication. German immigrant Wilhelm Lautz (1815-1866) founded the Lautz Co. in 1853 in Buffalo, N.Y. After his death his wife, sons, and grandsons continued to run the firm as Lautz Bros. & Co. through the early 20th century. Printed by Donaldson Brothers, NY. In Very Good Condition: back is discolored; front is clean and bright. Item #010345

Price: $45.00