Instrument Catalog Ephemera Sheets
The images on these free printable ephemera sheets came from a vintage musical instrument catalog from 1890.
Scroll down, and you will find a sheet of 2” x 3” images that can be used as journal cards or tags and a sheet of 2” circles that might make great scrapbook or junk journal embellishments. And if you like these collage sheets, I have quite a few other free vintage catalog printables like these school supply ephemera sheets or these Victorian magic props collage sheets.
If you enjoy these free printables, be sure to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest, so you’ll see when I post new ones.
In the late 1800s, catalogs played a significant role in the sale of various goods, including musical instruments. These catalogs were essentially printed or illustrated booklets that showcased a company's products and provided detailed information about each item.
Catalogs from this period showcased a diverse array of musical instruments. This could include pianos, organs, guitars, violins, brass instruments, and more. They typically included illustrations or photographs of the instruments and provided detailed descriptions of each instrument, highlighting features, materials, and craftsmanship. Pricing information was also included, making it easier for customers to compare different models and choose instruments that fit their preferences and budget. Some catalogs offered installment plans, allowing customers to pay for their purchases over time. This made instruments more accessible to a broader range of people, including those with limited financial means. Customers could order instruments directly from the catalog through a mail-order system. This allowed people in rural or remote areas, where access to local music stores was limited, to purchase instruments without having to travel long distances.
The rise of mail-order catalogs contributed to increased competition among manufacturers and retailers. Companies needed to present their instruments in an attractive and appealing manner to stand out in the crowded marketplace. Catalogs were a platform for companies to showcase the latest innovations in instrument design and technology.
The format and content of catalogs evolved over the years. As printing technology improved, catalogs became more visually appealing with better illustrations and more detailed information. These catalogs played a crucial role in shaping consumer culture during the late 1800s and early 1900s, providing people with access to a wide range of goods, including musical instruments, regardless of their location.
Add these to your supplies for art journaling, junk journaling, bullet journaling, collage, artist trading cards (ATCs), scrapbooking, and other mixed media artwork.
You may also enjoy these free collage sheets.
Terms of use:
Free to use for personal or commercial projects. You may print the collage sheets as many times as you wish for your personal crafts or in your projects to sell, including: art journals, scrapbooks, junk journals, collage art, etc. You may not redistribute or sell the collage sheets “as is" in either print or digital form.
If you wish to share the files on your own website, please do not make the files available for download directly from your site. Instead, include an image with a link back to this site.
To the best of my knowledge, these are all royalty free images that are in the Public Domain in the US. However, you should always do your own research if you plan to use them commercially.