For sale is a rare Victorian era 1890s PAPER DOLL Trade Card from CLARK’S O.N.T. SPOOL COTTON FACTORY, Newark, New Jersey. This paper doll was part of a set of 16, which could be purchased from the company for three 2 cent stamps. This front of the doll is in excellent condition. There are no rips, tears or stains. The back side of the doll (the advertising side) has some minor surface wear. The back of the doll states that “CLARK’S ONT SPOOL COTTON IS THE BEST FOR HAND AND MACHINE SEWING”. Paper Doll stands about 5 inches tall by 2 1/2 inches wide. A top notch premium advertising collectible.
The Clark Thread Company operated in Newark and East Newark, NJ from 1866 through 1949. In the 1880s, Clark’s “O.N.T.” (Our New Thread) was widely advertised in national publications. In 1883, the U. S. subsidiary of the John Clark, Jr. & Co. of Glasgow became Clark Mile-End Spool Cotton Company. The American economy was expanding following the civil war. Home machine sewing fueled demand for quality spooled thread. Today antique Clark’s ONT Spool cabinets command top dollar from collectors.