1909-1911 Cadbury Chocolates R.M.S. Titanic trade card
 

Hi all,

I've recently come across one of the most interesting cards I've ever seen. This card has been known to me for years but I never thought I'd have the opportunity to buy one. The card is a Cadbury Chocolates / Bournville Coca trade card advertising the R.M.S Olympic and R.M.S. Titanic. The card is the only known color image of the ship produced prior to her fateful maiden voyage. The card is an exciting find for me as Titianic is what sparked my passion for history as a 5-6 year old kid. Now that kid is pursuing his history degree at the University of Colorado and will be a senior this year. If I can get a good price, currently $130, I would like to treat myself with this card now that I have a little spending money from my birthday. However, early trade cards and tobacco cards are outside of my area and I know next to nothing about them. This is whay I'd like anyone and everyone to chime in with their opinions as to whether or not this is authentic? Thanks in advance!

Jake

I don't know the issue, but it looks fine to me. The pattern on the front looks like typical stone lithography from that era. Have you seen the website titanicitems.com? It talks about this specific card.

This is what i can tell you from my experience of this period...

i am a Paper kinda Guy... & The Paper Never Lies!

Reproducing this Paper Product today has shown to be Impossible.
So, with this as Evidence, viewing it's qualities as You have provided...

"It's Authentic!"

And if You don't want it!?!?
Please tell me where to Send the $130.00 Required for Her Purchase!? JK ( :

Go Get That Lady of the Deep!!!

Very Nice Find Indeed ~

I have seen the card on titanicitems.com, it was the very first place I stopped when searching for information. Suprisingly there isn't much. I looked at sale records and the card saw a big jump during the 100th anniversary of the sinking but outside of that, maybe pops up every two years or so, at generally the same price. I appreciate your thoughts on it!

Thanks for lending your expertise... I remember seeing this image as I poured over countless books as a kid, soaking up as much information and eyewitness stories I could about the disaster. If my memory serves correctley, I think there was even a copy on display when the artifact exhibit would come to town, although that could just be a selective memory.

Still looking for more opinions. I see the post has quite a few views! Want to make sure I'm getting what is advertised as this is a big purchase for me. Any information about this card's history is most welcome as well and if anyone has another authentic example, I'd love to see it!

I agree with this statement.

Thanks David!

Hoping for some more individuals with more knowledge in this area can chime in!

Hard to say would have to check with a black light ultraviolet

Unfortunatley the card isn't in hand. I'm currently a prospective buyer.

I hope this helps somewhat, I know this is a celluloid / plastic and is different from paper but maybe there are similarities in the print pattern

Well, on the Titanic card, the text definetly doesn't pop and the card overall looks very rough, in some corners of the card, the damage exhibied is very detailed with minute strands hanging off and looking almost like pulp. I'm sure there are forgires that have that level of detail, I just can't tell.

To be honest very hard to tell if its counterfeit or being authentic you would need to see it in person

I'm almost 100% sure it's real, there's no sign of modern printing artifacts and it looks typical of stone lithography of the period.

Real
 

It's real.

I don't know anything about the card. But I've got my MA in US History from Adams State University, Alamosa, CO. Good luck on your final year under such crazy circumstances.

Getting your MA is definitely worth it. I loved all my classes. If you got a graduate degree, what topic would be your focus?

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Hi all,

Back on this thread for an exciting post.

I decided to pass on the card I originally posted about after concerns with the seller when they weren't willing to answer all of my questions, despite telling all prospective buyers to do so. As well as the expensive price, not being able to have it in hand and no opportunity to return this if I was told it was not authentic or had it graded as such.

I had started doing research and found various Titanic historians and enthusiasts with large collections spanning many years. I was aiming for expertise regarding the original card but found a few individuals who had examples of the card in question. One such person was Kevin Saucier. Kevin has one of the most primere and largest collection of these Olympic / Titanic cards anywhere in the world. He pulled a few examples from his collection including this graded one. Although the condition is a bit worn and creased, it is still a very recognizable card which I was able to get at half the price. The card is an incredible link to the Titanic before that fateful day in April 1912.

Success.

Stay safe.

If you're happy than I am happy for you. Congrats! It's always good to be excited about a purchase.

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Thanks! I was more concerened about finding an authentic one and due to the fact of it being graded and the collection it came out of, I am pleased. This is more for my personal collection than anything. Not having any in hand, esspecially if they were stellar examples, would have been a lot tougher. The card still carries a strong image even with the horizontal center crease and the color pops.

Also, my apologies for not responding to your previous message. My history degree is more of a back up plan as my goal is to be an equipment manager in either college football or the NFL, which is the track I am currently on. Not sure what my focus would be if I were to pursue a graduate degree. Possibly WW2 or Civil Rights/Human Rights as those are my interests. This year will be crazy for sure, I'm just hoping everyone is responsible when we return to campus and follows the guidelines put forth for us. If we all do the right thing and stay positive, we will get past this!