A charming group of vintage French-language trading cards issued by Au Bon Marché, the leading Parisian department store, ca. 1910. The six trading cards feature images and profiles of five early 20th century aviators: Louis Blériot, Émile Dubonnet, Henry Farman, Charles de Lambert, and Alberto Santos-Dumont. The department store is prominently featured verso, introduced by the tagline: "At the Good Market… / Stores of the Most Important Novelties of the Entire World / to visit as one of the most remarkable curiosities of Paris." The heavy stock cards show expected wear commensurate with age, such as slightly blunted or bent corners and isolated stains, else near fine. Please refer to catalog photos for additional information related to condition. Very aesthetically pleasing with lots of Art Nouveau design details and still infinitely collectible! Each card measures 9.75" x 7.125."

Au Bon Marché was established in 1838 and extensively redeveloped after 1852 by Aristide Boucicaut, who introduced many novel marketing ploys to entice customers of all sexes and ages. Department store trading cards were offered as part of a loyalty program and were collected by children as well as adults.

The cards feature:

- French aviator Louis Blériot (1872-1936), with the image caption translated as: "Blériot, after having crossed the English Channel, lands in England, July 25, 1909." (1 piece)

- French aviator Émile Dubonnet (1883-1950), with the image caption translated as: "Dubonnet, after his crossing from Paris, lands at Bagatelle (April 23, 1910)." (1 piece)

- British-French aviator Henry Farman (1874-1958), with the image caption translated as: "H. Farman competing for the Central School prize with Mme. Darty as a passenger (March 28, 1910)." (1 piece)

- French aviator Charles de Lambert (1865-1944), with the image caption translated as: "Count Lambert leaving Port-Aviation en route to pass by the Eiffel Tower." (2 pieces, duplicates)

- Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873-1932), with the image caption translated as: "Santos-Dumont landing at Buc in his monoplane 'The Damselfly.'" (1 piece)

Please see our terms and conditions for large lots.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!