Paper doll

The development of chromolithography in the last years of the 19th century ushered in an era of inexpensive printing that manufacturers exploited to market their wares. Advertisements in magazines and newspapers broadcast convenient foods and consumer goods, but many companies also used trade cards shaped like paper dolls and toys to sell their products. Little boys and girls with outfits of colorful, middle-class fashions of the day seemed to be the most popular subjects of these premium paper toys. Clark's O. N. T. Threads offered a series of "Dolls with Hats," which were die-cut dolls with front-and-back costumes that had a fold at the shoulders. Advertising for Clarks' threads appeared on the underside of the costume.