c1882-1884 Woodworth Schell & Co Henry F. Miller Pianos SF Trade Card Boston For Sale

This original chromolithographed trade card features two children dressed in clown/harlequin costumes with advertising for Henry F. Miller pianos. The card listsWoodworth, Schell & Co.as\"Sole Agents Pacific Coast\"with the addressNo. 105 Stockton Street, S.F.Historical city directories and contemporary publications confirm this San Francisco business operated from this address during the early 1880s, making this card a well-documented piece of California advertising history.

• Original Victorian trade card
• Approximate date:circa 1882–1884
• Advertiser:Woodworth, Schell & Co.
• Product advertised:Henry F. Miller Pianos of Boston
• Address shown:No. 105 Stockton Street, S.F. (San Francisco, California)
• Card size:2.75\" x 4.125\"
• Printed by chromolithography in pink and brown tones
• Features two children in clown/harlequin costumes
• Historical Notes

Research confirms that Woodworth, Schell & Co. were established piano dealers and importers in San Francisco.

• Langley\'sSan Francisco City Directory (1883)listsWoodworth, Schell & Co.at105 Stockton Street, matching the address printed on this card.
• The Industries of San Francisco (1884)identifies the firm as piano and organ dealers, states the business was founded in1852, and notes its later expansion to101 Stockton Street and 100 O\'Farrell Street.
• The1875 San Francisco City Directorydocuments Woodworth, Schell & Co. assole agents for Henry F. Miller Pianos, confirming the long-standing relationship between the retailer and the Boston piano manufacturer.
• The wording on this card referencesHenry F. Miller, rather than the laterHenry F. Miller & Sons, which is consistent with an early-1880s issue.

The historical information above is based on the following reference materials:

• Langley\'s San Francisco City Directory (1883)— listing for Woodworth, Schell & Co., 105 Stockton Street.
• The Industries of San Francisco (1884)— contemporary history of the firm, its founding, and business locations.
• The New City Annual Directory of San Francisco (1875)— advertisement and directory listing identifying Woodworth, Schell & Co. as sole agents for Henry F. Miller Pianos.
• California Theatre Playbill (1880)— period advertisement for Woodworth, Schell & Co.
• Henry F. Miller company history— background on the Boston piano manufacturer.