Illustrated Catalogue and Price List. M. Deal & Co., Bucyrus, Ohio, March 1887

Bucyrus, Ohio: Forum Print, 1887.

Softcover. Good. 9" x 6", 30 pp, extensively illustrated. Hole punched at upper left, creasing and chips to front cover, else sound and clean. A catalogue of grain cleaning machinery (smutters, separators, finishers, etc.) that is interesting not for the details of agricultural and mechanical history it contains, but for the company's use of the word "California" to brand all of its equipment. After the California Gold Rush of 1849, the state's name became a powerful marketing tool in 19th century America, evoking images of prosperity, adventure, and abundance. Like many other businesses nationwide, M. Deal & Co. capitalized on the positive perception of California to market products that had no connection at all to the Golden State.

Item #24041

Price: $60.00