St Paul Viscosity Oil Co Salesman & Donkey Real Photo Advertising Postcard
This postcard served as an advertisement for the Viscosity Oil Co. of St. Paul, Minnesota, likely dating to the early 20th century. The image features a smiling man alongside a donkey, with an overturned barrel labeled "Viscosity Oil Co St Paul Viscosity Cylinder" resting on a simple sledge, implying a delivery mishap. The overlaid text, "Now You Know Why I Am Late Mail Me Your Order Don't Wait," uses humor to engage potential customers and encourage immediate orders.
Such promotional real photo postcards were a common and effective grassroots marketing tool during this era. The Viscosity Oil Co. would have supplied industrial lubricants, such as cylinder oil, which were vital for the operation of steam engines, agricultural machinery, and early automobiles prevalent in the Midwest. This type of advertisement reflects the local nature of commerce and the challenges of product distribution in a less developed infrastructure.
Such promotional real photo postcards were a common and effective grassroots marketing tool during this era. The Viscosity Oil Co. would have supplied industrial lubricants, such as cylinder oil, which were vital for the operation of steam engines, agricultural machinery, and early automobiles prevalent in the Midwest. This type of advertisement reflects the local nature of commerce and the challenges of product distribution in a less developed infrastructure.
