Collection of Advertising Cards for Crump's Label Press - Fine Lithography and Design

18751882. Overall fine. . A group of nine (9) different approximately 4 1/2" x 3" advertising designs promoting Crump's Label Press. A striking array of geometric shapes, color and type faces exemplifying the creative and elaborate design process. One die-cut the remainders rectangular. The reverse is blank on all but one card. That narrative is addressed to Manufacturers and promotes their comprehensive and timely services. Colored Sketches to convey an exact idea of Label or Show Card when completed. Each card marked Crump's Label Press. The firm had been founded in 1832 by his father—also Samuel Crump, a wood engraver and printer in Montclair, NJ, an immigrant from Wales. Crump senior retired in 1861. From 1875 to 1878, the firm was Crump & Everdell, subsequently the Crump Label Press. In 1891, Crump Label , Russell Morgan and other label manufacturers came together under the umbrella of the United States Printing and Lithographing Company.
The Crump operation became entirely self-sufficient on-site, manufacturing its own paper and inks and furnishing its own power. It employed some 190 skilled workmen. One contemporary description states that Crump labels "are printed in from one to ten colors inclusive, and present an attractive appearance. The higher grades are given a fine gloss or glaze, which greatly enhances their beauty. In fact, they surpass, in merit of design and beauty of finish, many chromos occupying places on the walls of some American homes." (Industries of New Jersey, Part V, Historical Publishing Company, 1882)
Source: Ephemera Society web site article