19th-Century Vernacular Scrapbook

Updated September 24, 2026

[SCRAPBOOK.] American Vernacular Scrapbook, late 19th century, folio (258 x 376 mm), approximately 200 leaves, manuscript bank ledger, rectos entirely filled with clipped illustrations, photographs, magazine and advertisement graphics, bound in plain modern full calf. A lavish 19th century vernacular scrapbook made from an appropriated manuscript bank ledger. Pasted onto the recto of each ledger leaf are dozens of color and duotone stickers, clipped engravings, magazine and advertisement illustrations, photographs, ornaments, tobacco and other product labels, and numerous other forms of printed ephemera, each leaf comprising a whimsical collage. The entries in the ledger date from 1844-46; one of the ads bears a printed date of 1888, another 1872. A fascinating, maximalist assemblage bearing witness to material and consumer culture in late 19th century America. Condition A few leaves loose at end.

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