Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A charming printed paper advertising slip or insert for Butterick Publishing Company's costume reference book 'Masquerade and Carnival: Their Customs and Costumes.' It features a finely detailed wood-engraved illustration of a masked carnival figure alongside promotional typography from their West 13th Street New York address.
Story
In the late 19th century, masquerade balls were the pinnacle of high-society drama and amateur theatricals. Butterick capitalized on the craze by selling lavish costume pattern books to home dressmakers across America.
Maker / Origin
Founded by tailor Ebenezer Butterick in 1863, the Butterick company revolutionized domestic life by inventing commercially graded paper sewing patterns. Their publications, including The Delineator, influenced international fashion and domestic sewing for over a century.
Condition & Value
Clean black letterpress and wood engraving on newsprint-quality paper with mild age toning and neatly trimmed margins. Good overall condition, though ephemera collectors value full unclipped pages or complete pamphlets higher.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Your first full report is on us.
See sold comps, value drivers, and where to sell. One complimentary report, no card required.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.