Monochrome photograph of an advertisement for spermaceti candles made in Boston. The center of the advertisement features an image of a beached whale with a whaling scene in the background.
These candles were made from the oils harvested from the heads of sperm whales. Unlike the typical candles of the era, which were made of tallow or beeswax, these candles burned brighter and cleaner.
Inscriptions
Type
inscription
Location
top half of print
Original language
English
Text
Sperma-ceti Candles Warranted pure; are made by JOSEPH PALMER & Co. at Germantown near BOSTON, & to be Sold at their Store in Boston, New England. Round Candles - 5 to the 16. No. 353. H 36 1/4 Gr 8 3/4 Tr. 27 1/2 Nlt.
Type
inscription
Location
bottom half of print
Original language
French
Text
Chandelles ronds 5 au 16. Candelles de Sperma-ceti garanties d'etre sans aucun Melange sont Fabriquées par Joseph Palmer & Co. a German-town proche de BOSTON. & se vendent à leur Magazin en Boston. Novelle Angleterre
Nautical
