American Thermos Bottle Company - Richard Harding Davis Congo Expedition Advertising - Postcard SP24

Advertising postcard issued by the American Thermos Bottle Company, New York, c.1908. The front features a chromolithograph of a gun bearer from the Richard Harding Davis Expedition in the African Congo, with promotional text describing the Thermos Bottle's ability to carry ice in 120°F equatorial heat.

Scene Details:

• Left panel: photographic-style illustration of a Congolese gun bearer standing in dense jungle grass, rifle over shoulder, wearing a dark wrap and red sash
• Right panel: full printed advertising text describing the Davis Expedition and Thermos Bottle properties
• Advertising copy touts: keeping ice solid in extreme heat, keeping coffee hot for hours, suitability for home and outdoor use
• Closing line: "Sold by leading dealers in every civilized country. American Thermos Bottle Company, New York"
• Italic note: "Write for free booklet showing the many uses for Thermos, both for outings and in the home"

Postal Markings:

• Copyright: 1908, by American Thermos Bottle Co., N.Y. (printed on back left spine)
• Unused; no stamp, no postmark, no address
• Pencil notation on back: "Black advertising"
• Undivided-style back with "Place Stamp Here — Domestic One cent / Foreign Two cents" box

Please zoom into and look closely at the front and back photos to view condition, and feel free to send me a message if you have any questions. Thank you, D