Bidspirit auction | C. E. Alt Victorian Die-Cut

C. E. Alt Victorian Die-Cut Trade Sign - 19x13 This late 19th-century multi-color chromolithograph die-cut functions as a Victorian trade advertisement for C. E. Alt, a dealer in groceries, dry goods, and hardware located in Church, Pennsylvania. The central subject is a young boy in period attire, including a large orange bow, lace-trimmed collar, cream shirt, and burgundy velvet knickers with plaid stockings and button boots. He is depicted holding an advertising broadside that contains the following text: Compliments of C. E. Alt, Dealer In STAPLE and FANCY GROCERIES, Dry Goods, Shoes, Hardware, Etc. Fresh Eggs and Butter Church, Pa. The boy stands atop a wooden box against a background featuring large red poppies and a golden scrolling architectural element. The die-cut is professionally mounted against a deep burgundy velvet-textured mat. It is housed in a carved wooden frame with a decorative scrolling inner border. The reverse of the frame features a modern paper backing with a label from The Framing Loft in Hermitage, PA. No artist signature or publisher mark is visible on the piece.