Posted By:
Robert SilvermanHi--
I've been told these were originally distributed as blotters on which to blot things written with old pen and ink. In fact, I won one on eBay a while back that I believe had been sold originally either in a Hunt or an Oser auction, and was used as intended -- complete with the inverse of part of an old letter visible on the back.
They aren't in the SCD catalog, but I have seen one or two for sale at shows. In fact, I think Ron, from whom you purchased the Jones, Keyser & Arras card, once had one for sale in his case.
By the way -- I almost bought that Jones card at the show in NYC two weeks ago, but it was a bit too rich for my blood that evening. It's a great card, and I'm glad you posted a photo!
Hope the Stevens Firearms info helps...