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Rare and ORIGINAL D.M. Ferry Seeds poster: Detroit, MI. Signed 1891 - $75 (west of Ann Arbor)
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A few reproductions are out there, most of them made in 1961. But this one is the real deal.
In 1867, Dexter Mason Ferry opened his first seed company in Detroit, MI,. Since Ferry only sold fresh seeds, the company’s reputation grew and sales skyrocketed. D. M. Ferry & Co. was also one of the first businesses to sell seeds in smaller packets for home gardeners.
The poster’s originality can be authenticated in one of two ways: the paper surface feels “old,” definitely not glossy like the reproductions, and the poster is signed “Copyrighted 1891” in the bottom right hand corner.
This great lithographed poster was fixated (by the previous owner from Detroit) onto a thin piece of particle board for stability and to prevent tearing.
A few small condition issues must be noted. At the very top border, there is a rough edge with some scuffing and a small tear. Near the bottom of the poster reads the slogan beginning with “All Hands Up…”, next to the copyright date. Above the words “Ferry’s” and “Standard” are several small bubbles that exist from the original application of the poster onto the particle board. These bubbles are very slight and have no effect on the graphics. Finally, on the bottom edge there appears to be a very slight water stain. Not too bad, though, for a 132 year old poster.
The lithographed art features five children dressed in late 1800’s clothing, all with their “hands up,” to fit the slogan on the bottom.
This poster is large, but it would be a rare and great showpiece if you’re a collector of original Detroit-area advertising from the late 1800’s.