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This 1882 U.S. postal card was issued by R. A. Robinson & Co., a major wholesale drug firm operating out of Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1842, the company became one of the leading pharmaceutical distributors in the South during the 19th century, supplying independent pharmacies and medical professionals across the region.
The printed heading on this card promotes the company’s branded line of Mazzini Castile Soaps — both mottled and white — boasting a 700% sales increase since 1878 and marketing the soap’s purity and ability to float.
The message on the card references a pharmaceutical order. Louisville was a rapidly expanding urban center with a population over 100,000 by 1880, playing a key role in the wholesale medical trade throughout the Mississippi Valley.
R. A. Robinson & Co. remained active into the early 20th century before eventually being absorbed into larger pharmaceutical interests as the industry consolidated.
Card ProtectionAll cards ship in protective penny sleeves. Items $8 and above include an additional rigid toploader for maximum protection.
For 'Buy It Now' Postcards Under $20Your order will ship via USPS Standard Envelope, with item(s) safely secured in a protective sleeve inside a semi-rigid envelope. For international orders, I use untracked international stamp service by default. If you prefer tracked shipping, please message me for additional options and pricing.
For 'Buy It Now' Postcards Over $20Your order will ship via USPS Ground Advantage with full tracking. Item(s) will be securely packaged in a rigid toploader and protected in either a sturdy cardboard box or heavy-duty mailer. For international orders, shipping rates will be calculated based on destination.
For salesDefault shipping methods are based on starting offer price. As a complimentary service to US buyers, I'll automatically upgrade shipping to USPS Ground Advantage if the final price exceeds $20 for sale items that began below that threshold.
About Standard EnvelopeThe Standard Envelope service offers convenient tracked shipping through USPS, though tracking updates work differently than traditional packages. Your tracking may show "delivered" when the item reaches your local post office, rather than your mailbox. If you haven't received your item within 3 business days of the delivery notification, please contact me.
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