Blotters
Here is a link tree of the series of blotters and individual blotters I have found:
Albemarle Blotting
I have been surprised to find two different but related series of blotters produced by Albemarle Blotting. The designs on the two sets of blotters include the same images and texts, but they have a different size and structure, as can be seen by comparing the two examples below. Click on either image to see its series.
Albemarle Blotters 3.5 x 5.87
1950? Series of 12 Aesop's Fables. Two blotters 3½" x 5 7/8" including the text "One of a Series of 12 Aesop's Fables." TH, a sample of Albemarle Verigood Blotting, from Bermingham & Prosser Company, Paper Merchants, Kansas City, Missouri. $3 from Connie Burtis, Sedalia, MO, through Ebay, Feb., '01. CP, a sample of Albemarle Halftone Blotting, from John C. Streibich Company, Peoria 2, Illinois. $1 from Joel Cotton, West Monroe, LA, through Ebay, Dec., '00. Three blotters -- CP, "Horse and Stag," and "Bald Knight" -- from Shaugnessy-Kniep-Hawe Paper Company, St. Louis, for $4.95 each Roberta Bull, Murphy, NC, through eBay, Feb., 08.
Here is simply more evidence that Aesop shows up anywhere and everywhere. Of course, the fact that I have found four of the twelve blotters in this series means that I have to look for another ten!
Albemarle Blotters 3.75 x 8.67
1950? Series of 12 Aesop's Fables. Five blotters 3¾" x 7⅝" including the text "One of a Series of 12 Aesop's Fables." Albemarle Verigood Blotting. All five advertise the Seaman-Patrick Paper Company in Detroit.
Here is a curiosity: the designs on these blotters include the same images and texts as the parallel set from the same firm, but they have a different size and structure, as can be seen by comparing the two examples on the more general Albemarle page. These blotters predate the area-code era of telephone calling. Now I need to hunt for the other seven in this set! As I mentioned in regard to the other set, these blotters present good evidence that Aesop shows up anywhere and everywhere. Notice the effect of using two colors on blotters like BF and "The Fox and the Ass."
Amora Mustard
1950? Amora. La Moutarde de Dijon dans son Verre Décoré "La Fontaine." Buvard and Buvard "EFGÉ." 5¼" x 8¼". Opéra Publicité. $5 each for two blotters from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, Feb., '02. One extra blotter from the same source, August, '09.
These are among the most colorful blotters I have received. Apparently the glass jar containing Amora mustard is decorated with characters from La Fontaine's fables. One recognizes, e.g., TT on the glass pictured at the forefront of one of the blotters here. Many other characters from the fables appear on the rest of this blotter: tortoise and hare; fox surrounded by crow, grapes, and goat; wolf and lamb; deer, dove, frog, fish, beetle, snail, rat, and butterfly--with a nice bust of La Fontaine in their midst. And the other blotter shows the variety of glasses offered showing various characters from La Fontaine's fables. Might I find the whole set somewhere?
Biscottes L'Angevine
1950? "Le Lièvre et la Tortue." Biscottes L'Angevine. Angers. 5¼" x 6¾". $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '03.
The upper three quarters of this colorful blotter are a simple illustration. The hare is eating a carrot while the tortoise, looking back and smiling, nears the goal. This blotter seems to have doubled as the label for the package, since the blotter gives a net weight at the time of their packaging.
1950? "Le Renard et la Cigogne." Biscottes L'Angevine. Angers. 5¼" x 6¾". $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '02.
The upper three quarters of this colorful blotter are a simple illustration. The fox dressed in courtly garb strides away disgruntled from the feminine stork with her beak in a vase. This blotter seems to have doubled as the label for the package, since the blotter gives a net weight at the time of their packaging.
1950? "Les Grenouilles qui Demandent un Roi." Biscottes L'Angevine. Angers. 5¼" x 6¾". Printed in Nantes. €1 from French Vintage Shop, Paris, through eBay, Feb., '13.
The crown and regal garb distinguish this king. The frogs are generally in mid-leap into the water – all but the helpless one caught in the king's beak. Lively colors mark this blotter.
1950? "Le Chêne et le Roseau." Biscottes L'Angevine. Angers. 5¼" x 6¾". Printed in Nantes. €1 from French Vintage Shop, Paris, through eBay, Feb., '13.
Just the oak is personified in this blotter, which is less sharply done than others in the set. The oak looks down angry and surprised at his uprooting. Two different sets of reeds bend with the wind.
1950? "Le Rat des Villes et le Rat des Champs." Biscottes L'Angevine. Angers. 5¼" x 6¾". Artist: Dagobert. Printed in Nantes. €1 from French Vintage Shop, Paris, through eBay, Feb., '13.
This blotter is one of the best executed of the set. Both mice take off in a hurry. The country mouse in the upper right has simple garb and wooden shoes. The luxurious carpet is beautifully done. The title of this fable is usually given "Le Rat de Ville et le Rat des Champs."
Biscottes Hirondelles
1960? Biscottes Hirondelle. With small cartoon views of FC and WL. Signed (at least FC) by J.L. Pesch. 5" x 6¾". Fabrication de la S.P.R.A.E., Corbeil, Essonnes. $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '02.
"Biscottes a l'Estomac…légères/Comme l'Hirondelle a l'Air." The fox asks the bespectacled crow where the cheese has gone, and the wolf says he thought he had seen a lamb jumping around. I ask myself if this blotter was not the label for the melba toasts announced here. There is a clear price ("Le Paquet 100 Frs") and a notation "28 Tranches." The blotter also mentions "sans produits chimiques").
1960? Biscottes Hirondelle. With a large cartoon view of TH. 5⅞" x 6¼". Fabrication de la S.P.R.A.E., Corbeil, Essonnes. $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '03.
"Biscottes a l'Estomac…légères/Comme l'Hirondelle a l'Air." This blotter contains much of the same information as the other Biscottes Hirondelle blotter, but has a different design. The size is slightly different. Here there is one scene. The printing job's colors are much better coordinated. The finishing turtle seems to wave his handkerchief at the hastening hare behind him. There is no price on this blotter, as there was on the other. The blotter again mentions "sans produits chimiques."
1960? Biscottes Hirondelle. With a large cartoon view of FC. 5⅞" x 6¼". $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '05.
"Biscottes a l'Estomac…légères/Comme l'Hirondelle a l'Air." This blotter contains much of the same information as the other Biscottes Hirondelle blotters. Here there is one scene. The printing job's colors are well coordinated. The fox allows the crow to drop the cheese right into his waiting hat.
1960? Duplicate blotter from Biscottes Hirondelle featuring FC. €1 from French Vintage Shop, Paris, through eBay, Feb., '13.
This general duplicate has some specific differences. The first is the large "1 NF" stamp. Others include small print dropped from the left and bottom margins indicating "blotter" and, apparently, the weight of the cookies that came with this blotter. Printing near the top of the blotter is also rearranged.
1960? Biscottes Hirondelle. With a large cartoon view of WL. 5⅞" x 6¼". Fabrication de la S.P.R.A.E., Corbeil, Essonnes. $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '05. Extra copy lacking the "Fabrication…Essonnes" sta
"Biscottes a l'Estomac…légères/Comme l'Hirondelle a l'Air." This blotter contains much of the same information as the other Biscottes Hirondelle blotters. Here there is one scene. The printing job's colors are well coordinated. The artist contrasts the energetic wolf with the demure lamb as the latter sheds a tear.
1960? Biscottes Hirondelle. With a large cartoon view of "The Cat, the Weasel, and the Little Rabbit." 5⅞" x 6¼". Fabrication de la S.P.R.A.E., Corbeil, Essonnes. $7 from Bertrand Cocq, Calonne Ricouart, France, Sept., '18.
"Biscottes a l'Estomac…légères/Comme l'Hirondelle a l'Air." This blotter contains much of the same information as the other Biscottes Hirondelle blotters. Here there is one scene. The printing job's colors are fairly well coordinated. The energetic cat farmer has a surprise for his two clients. The figure of the weasel with her umbrella is particularly well executed, I believe.
Bloom Calendar Blotters
1926 Two blotters almost 4" x 9" for the months of September and October, 1926. The blotters advertise "Remembrance Advertising--Engraved Christmas Greeting Cards for Business Houses--Genuine Mission Calf-Skin Leather Desk and Pocket Pieces." Apparently the maker of this series is C.W. Bloom of Brown & Bigelow on Milk Street in Boston. $18 from Carolyn Dias of Norfolk, VA, through eBay, Feb., '03. Extra copy of Sept., '1926, for $9 from Carolyn Dias of Norfolk, VA, through eBay, June, '08.
Each long landscape-formatted blotter has a fable on the left. September has LM with "A kindness is never wasted--Aesop" and October has "Deeds count--not boasting words--Aesop." The latter has a rooster crowing and a hare sawing. For texts to match some of the questionable "fables" here, like "The Hare and the Rooster," see Aesop's Fables with Compliments of Chelmsford Ginger Ale, listed under "1926?" and apparently produced by the same printer.
1926 One blotter almost 4" x 9" for the months from October through December, 1926. The blotter advertises "Remembrance Advertising." Apparently the maker of this series is C.W. Bloom of Brown & Bigelow on Milk Street in Boston. $10.95 from Carolyn Dias of Norfolk, VA, through eBay, Sept., '05.
This long landscape-formatted blotter has a picture on the left that seems to be in the same series as the pictures on the two blotters found earlier. Once again, I am not sure that I recognize which fable is being presented here. Is a young bear telling a fish story to an older bear? The moral attributed to Aesop here is "Do not believe everything you hear."
1926 Three blotters almost 4" x 9" for the months of May, June, and July, 1927. The blotters advertise "Remembrance Advertising." Apparently the maker of this series is C.W. Bloom of Brown & Bigelow on Milk Street in Boston. $20 apiece from Carolyn Dias of Norfolk, VA, through eBay, Jan., '06.
Each long landscape-formatted blotter has a fable on the left. May has two beavers chipping away a bringing down a tree, with the moral "Whatever you do--do it with all your might." My, what things are attributed to dear old Aesop! June shows a monkey swinging upon a huge cluster of bananas, with the moral "Heaven helps those who help themselves." July has the same picture and moral that I have seen elsewhere: "Pride goes before a fall," with a scene depicting two dogs.
1926 Three blotters almost 4" x 9" for the months of October, 1926; August, 1927; and October, 1927. The blotters advertise "Remembrance Advertising." Apparently the maker of this series is C.W. Bloom of Brown & Bigelow on Milk Street in Boston. $36.69 from Carolyn Dias of Norfolk, VA, through eBay, August, '02.
Each long landscape-formatted blotter has a fable on the left. The October, 1926, blotter is a second copy. I had the blotter already. August presents a lovely crow in peacock feathers, with the moral "Borrowed feathers do not make fine birds." October features a bear and a wolf. The latter has a chicken stuffed under his jacket. The moral here is "Honesty is the best policy." I have no idea from which fable this scene or moral may have been supposed to come. The specifics of "Remembrance Advertising" enumerated earlier are no longer mentioned. I am getting close to bringing together the whole year of Bloom blotters!
Choco REM
1980? Two Choco Rem blotters using GA and FC, respectively. GA has brown ink on a beige blotter, while FC has red ink on a yellow blotter. Each piece effectively uses two white areas. 5¼" x 8". Reims: Choco Rem. Paris: Elvinger. $5 each from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, Feb., '02 and May, '02.
In GA, the cicada is asking for the ant's Choco REM in order to survive. In FC, the verse parodies the finish of La Fontaine's fable: "He swore--but a little late--that no one would ever again take … his Choco." The fox carries away the chocolate rather than the usual cheese or meat dropped by the proud crow. Both blotters announce that in each package there is a photo of a French soccer champion, which one can keep in the magnificent REM album.
Claverie Puzzle Blotters
1960? Two puzzle blotters from Claverie, Paris, "La Grande Maison de la Ceinture et du Corset." 3¾" x 6¼". TH and MM, each with a "riddle" of finding a hidden character or two. The verso of each includes a fuller text advertisement for Claverie in Faubourg Saint-Martin. $5 each from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, Feb., '02.
The lower half of each portrait-formatted blotter is a colored fable illustration. The upper half mentions Claverie as setting the viewer a riddle. A few of the fable's opening verses occur. The image for MM includes her shoes. Can you find them both? TH includes a hidden tortoise.
Compagnies d'Assurances Generales
1955? "La Latière et le Pot au Lait." Compagnies d'Assurances Générales, Paris. 8¼" x 5". Paris: LaCroix & LeBeau, Edit. $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '02.
The story of MM is presented in full color in three quadrants across the top of this lively yellow blotter. The first two scenes quote La Fontaine and are true to his version. The third scene shows the young milkmaid with her dropped pail in front of a billboard sign advertising insurance from Compagnies d'Assurances Générales. Here the milkmaid says "If I had known Assurance-Accidents earlier, I would have subscribed."
1955? "Le Laboureur et ses Enfants." Compagnies d'Assurances Générales, Paris. 8¼" x 5". Paris: LaCroix & LeBeau, Edit. $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, August, '02.
The story of "Le Laboureur et ses Enfants" is presented in full color in three quadrants across the top of this lively yellow blotter. The first two scenes quote La Fontaine and are true to his version. The third scene shows the children facing a billboard sign advertising insurance from Compagnies d'Assurances Générales. The father had been wise enough, the advertisement's text says, to show them that insurance is a treasure. The turning of the fable into an advertisement is clever enough.
1958 "La Cigale et la Fourmi." Compagnies d'Assurances Générales, Paris. 8¼" x 5". Sofoga. $7 from Bertrand Cocq, Calonne Ricouart, France, Sept., '18.
The story of Ga is presented in full color in three quadrants across the top of this lively yellow blotter. The first scene quotes La Fontaine but then the ant consoles the cicada and encourages her to start tomorrow in getting insurance from CAG. A billboard sign advertising insurance from Compagnies d'Assurances Générales helps the ant in the third panel to make her point to a now smiling cicada, and the winter wind seems no longer to be blowing. Though by a new printer, this blotter is consistent with the first two in format.
1965? "La Cigale et la Fourmi." Compagnies d'Assurances Générales, Paris. 8¼" x 5". Two slightly different versions with one extra of the second version for $21 from Bertrand Cocq, Calonne Ricouart, France, Sept., '18. Duplicate of the upper version for $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, Feb., '05.
Here only one field of image joins the singing cicada in summer on the left and the pleading cicada in winter on the right. The story remains the same as in the earlier (?) version. Though not separated into three panels, the ant's rejoinder to the cicada is exactly the same as in the blotter above. Again a billboard sign advertising insurance from Compagnies d'Assurances Générales helps the ant to make her point. In this version, the printer is not acknowledged. CAG still has the same address in Paris. The lower version here has lighter inking on the "summer" cicada and smaller typeface for the company name at the bottom of the blotter. Strange things!
Excel Biscuits
1980? Collection "Les Fables de la Fontaine." Five brightly colored blotters, all from "Serie D," advertising Biscottes Excel. 5 3/8" x 6 5/8". Imp. G. Elipret & E. & A. Dourdin, Lille. Pub. A. Dourdin, Lille. $5 each for four from Dany Wolfs, Roeselare, Belgium, Nov., '01. OF for $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, Feb., '02. Extra copy of " Le Chat, la Belette et le petit Lapin" for $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '03.
Bright four-color (yellow, green, blue, and orange) work distinguishes these four blotters, each marked clearly "Buvard a Conserver" (blotter to keep). Beneath a large rectangle illustrating a fable from La Fontaine is a smaller rectangle advertising Excel biscuits from Lille, including the logo of a capped country-woman's head within a circle. OF is slightly thinner than the other cards and has smaller margins, especially on its sides. Within the illustration is the series and fable title, "Series D," and an individual number:
27: OF
37: FC
43: FG
44: WC
47: Le Chat, la Belette et le petit Lapin (two copies)
Click on any blotter to see it full-size.
Germalyne
1950? "La revanche de la cigale." Buvard offert par Germalyne. 5" x 8½". $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, Feb., '02.Three extra copies, one rendered in green, from Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, August, '07.
Blue ink on a cream background. This blotter does not just present a La Fontaine fable. It builds on the fable of GA to offer a new point. This cicada comes back one year later and gets her revenge. She claims now, in verse, to be ready for the tough winter--because she has Germalyne food supplement! "Now I can dance without fear!" she proclaims. The advertisement announces "100 pour 100 germes de blé." Might that mean that each of a one hundred pills contains the equivalent of one hundred grains of wheat?
1960? "Le corbeau et le renard." Buvard offert par Germalyne. 5" x 8½". 3e Série. $6 from Bertrand Cocq, Calonne Ricouart, France, Sept., '18.
Red ink on a cream background. This blotter, like the does not just present a La Fontaine fable. It builds on the fable of FC to offer a new point. The crow is carrying not a "fromage" but an "emballage." The fox speaks not of the crow's possible singing voice but about his "science diététique." The crow lets his package of Germalyne fall, and the fox knows that it will help make up whatever he might be lacking in endurance. This advertisement also announces "100 pour 100 germes de blé."
Gri-Gri Juice
1960? 'Le Lièvre et la Tortue,' Buvard #2 d'une collection illustrant les 'Fables de La Fontaine.' Gri-gri, le vrai jus de fruits aux vitamines naturelles. Illustration signed by Polotec. Red and black on white. 8¼' x 5¼'. $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '02.
The sketch takes up two-thirds of this blotter. The hare lies by the roadside with a book in his hand and a flower in his mouth. The tortoise crawls up to the goal line. Of course I would like to know how many blotters there were in this collection and get hold of the rest!
1960? 'La Cigale et la Fourmi,' Buvard #3 d'une collection illustrant les 'Fables de La Fontaine.' Gri-gri, le vrai jus de fruits aux vitamines naturelles. Illustration signed by Polotec. Red and black on pink paper. 8¼' x 5¼'. $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '03.
The sketch again takes up two-thirds of this blotter. The ant, dressed in a house dress and kerchief and carrying a spoon in her hand, addresses the jaunty cicada as he holds a lute or guitar. Of course I still would like to know how many blotters there were in this collection and get hold of the rest.
1960? 'La Laitiere et le Pot au Lait." Buvard #5 d'une collection illustrant les 'Fables de La Fontaine.' Gri-gri, le vrai jus de fruits aux vitamines naturelles. Illustration signed by Polotec. Red and black on pink paper. 8¼' x 5¼'. $7 from Bertrand Cocq, Calonne Ricouart, France, Sept., '18.
The sketch again takes up two-thirds of this blotter. The milkmaid cries over her spilt milk because she was counting her chickens before they hatched, as well as her future pigs and cow. So now I have three of this series. It is still true: I would like to know how many blotters there were in this collection and would like to get hold of the rest!
Gringoire
1970? Two blotters (and one extra) from Pain d'Epices Gringoire: GA (#2) and TH (#3). "Buvard a Conserver. Les Aventures de Gringo." Signed by "Coq." Imp. Delcey - Dole. One copy of GA for 50 Francs from Annick Tilly, Clignancourt, August, '99. TH and another copy of GA from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '02. Three distinct blotters of other phases of TH from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '03.
These blotters, about 4" x 7", are among the most colorful blotters I have. GA has a delightful picture of the cicada struggling through the snow, while a black-and-white bunny with a horn and something brown under his arm races across the territory. Is this bunny Gringo, and is he carrying pain d'épices? The GA blotter is marked #2, perhaps of a set of four. I now have four distinct blotters showing different phases of TH. Two distinct blotters are marked #3, but the one representing a later phase in the story has its number set up differently from those of the other three blotters. Gringo overturns the traditional fable by riding on the tortoise's back and then jumping across the finish line just ahead of the tortoise, blowing his horn all the while. A sign points to "Le Pays du Miel." These blotters are made of a very thin paper. I would not have thought of this paper as blotter material.
Click on any blotter to see it full-size.
Johnson Insurance Blotters
1947 Aesop's Fables. Twelve blotters 9" x 3 ¾" combining text, picture, and a monthly calendar. The blotters advertise insurance from Manfert A. Johnson in Rochester. Printed in the USA. $6.99 from Ronald Krause, Rochester, MN, through eBay, April, '04.
The text in each case has two parts. The first part recounts the particular fable pictured for this month. The second part turns the point somehow to insurance. The central panel naming and illustrating a fable is good, simple, lively full-color work. These "references" may hit a low point when, in November's blotter-calendar, the "Fable of the One-Eyed Doe" is applied to the "John Does" of fact, not fable. December offers not a fable but an account of Aesop surrounded by simple pictures of animals. Click on any blatter to see it enlarged.
LUC Biscottes Blotters
I have found three different types of LUC blotters. Here are the three types. Click on either the name or image to go to that type of LUC blotter's page.
LUC Blotters Printed by Sofoga
1950? Three blotters for "Biscottes LUC" of Chateauroux, each depicting a single La Fontaine fable. 6" x 7". Printed by Sofoga, Alfortville. $18 from Bertrand Cocq, Calonne Ricouart, France, Sept., '18. LUC GGE and "Cock and Fox" for $5 each from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, Feb., '05.
Bright colors and dramatic action characterize these three blotters, presenting "The Angler and the Small Fish"; TB; and "The Cat, Weasel, and Small Rabbit." I presume that one blatter came in each box of cookies.
LUC Blotters Printed by Beuchet & Vanden Brugge
1950? Three numbered blotters for "Biscottes LUC" of Chateauroux, each depicting a single La Fontaine fable. 6" x 7". Printed by Beuchet & Vanden Brugge, Nantes and Paris. $18 from Bertrand Cocq, Calonne Ricouart, France, Sept., '18.
These blotters are similar in format to the blotters printed by Sofoga in Alfortville, but with different artistry, different typeface for the fable titles, and added numbering. These three present "The Fish and the Cormorant" (#6); "The Magpie and the Dove" (#10); and "The Rabbit and the Frogs" (13). I presume that one blotter came in each box of cookies.
LUC Super Mousseline Biscottes
1950? One blotter for "Super Mousseline Biscottes LUC" of Chateauroux, depicting FS. 6" x 7". Printed by Sofoga, Alfortville. $6 from Bertrand Cocq, Calonne Ricouart, France, Sept., '18. LUC TMCM for $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, Feb., '05.
By contrast with other LUC blotters, these blotters are labeled "Buvard Extra." Its format -- white background behind an image of, e.g., FS on the upper half, with bright yellow background behind the product and company name on the lower half -- reverses the format of three three other blotters printed for LUC by Sofoga. I presume that one blotter came in each box of cookies.
Insurance Blotters
1935? Aesop's Fables. Five blotters 7" x 3 5/8" combining a three-color scene, fable text, and insurance reflection. $15 from Steven Kawalec, Clifton, NJ, through Ebay, Feb., '02. Extra copy of "The Bald Huntsman" compliments of Bovard-Anderson Co., Real Estate, Insurance & Rentals, Beaver, PA, for $5 from T.A.I.L.S., Inc, Vincent OH, through Ebay, Feb., '00.
I had to buy thirteen blotters to get the Bovard-Anderson blotter, but it was worth it. Hat and hair both go flying. So almost does the huntsman, but he keeps smiling. The text is an adaptation of Croxall. The blotter adds this application: "Could YOU laugh if a severe windstorm or tornado seriously damaged your property? Windstorm and tornado insurance costs so very little--its protection is extremely important." Then two years later I found the whole set including this blotter on Ebay, though not from any particular insurance agent. Each blotter applies its fable to insurance, and I find the fables well selected for that purpose.
Click on any image to see it full-size.
Chocolat Menier
1960? Fables of La Fontaine. Five blotters from Chocolats fins Menier. 5½" x 8¼". DW, "Le Chat, la Belette et le petit Lapin," and OR. Buvard Extra. Imp. Typo Noisiel. $5 each from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, Feb., '02, May, '02, and May, '03. Blotter advertisement for Menier vignettes for $7 from Bertrand Cocq, Calonne Ricouart, France, Sept., '18, along with, for $7, an extra copy of "The Robbers and the Ass.". FC added for $10.05 from Olivier Pierres, Vendat, France, through Ebay, Oct., '20. LM a gift of Susan Carlson, Dec., '23.
DW, OR, "Les Voleurs et l'Ane," and "Les Animaux Malades de la Peste" are brown on gold, while "Le Chat, la Belette et le petit Lapin" is red on white. Each blotter announces that this image and many others will be found in Menier's chocolate tablets. "Les plus fins des chocolates fins." The cartoons are simple. The tree and reed have faces. The dog is not only plump but almost round, while the wolf is skin and bones. The third thief is very proud of himself, while the ass looks back in wonderment. In "Le Chat, la Belette et le petit Lapin," only the bunny appears; he is hopping over a fence. "Les Animaux" presents a very sorry-looking group of four. One can find the "vignettes" here among chocolate cards.
Click on any blotter-image to see it full-size.
St. Honore Biscuit Blotters
1960? Biscottes St. Honoré. Three blotters roughly 6" x 6½" picturing LM (cream), FC (yellow), and TH (pink). Each is labeled "Buvard extra a conserver." Vauréal: Biscottes de France. 40 Francs each from Annick Tilly at Clignancourt, August, '99. A similar blotter but advertising Biscottes Ch. Bezard with the same FC design, now in pink. €3 from argos30 on Ebay, Oct., '21.
Each blotter also gives an address in Seine. Might the telephone numbers (LON 20-32 in Seine and just 36 in Vauréal) be the best evidence for dating these? The pictures are fun. The lion, released from his nets, is opening a box of St. Honoré biscuits. The tortoise and hare are racing almost neck and neck for a biscuit prize. And you can guess what the fox has in hands while the crow either weeps or sweats visible drops! The addition of a second brand name not in Seine but in Vaureal raises good questions!
Single Blotters
1889 "The Aesop Blotter" compliments of Davis & Casey, Druggists. Headquarters for all School Books and School Supplies. Seneca Falls, N.Y. Copyrighted 1889 by Scrantom, Wetmore & Co., Rochester, N.Y. $10 from Dave Cheadle, Englewood, CO, Sept., '99.
This blotter, about 3¾" x 8", shows the evidence of some use on its back. On its front, it has a good classic rendition of TH (I wish I could establish that this pudgy bunny was done by Weir) with James' text and moral verbatim. Nice job of blue and red printing on what might be a difficult medium.
1927 "Aesop's Fables" blotter featuring FG, compliments of The Ohio Valley Oxygen Company, Cincinnati. Besides a semi-circular illustration and a lively moral, there is some advertising information and a calendar of October, 1927. $9.99 from Matthew Johnson, Middletown, OH, through Ebay, Feb., '01.
This blotter, about 3 7/8" x 9", shows the evidence of some use on its back. The moral here is "He who waits for a windfall usually gets a crop of overripe fruit." The company offers oxygen, hydrogen, acetylene, welding and cutting apparatus, and supplies. Would there have been a set of twelve fable blotters?
1950? Large 5¼" x 8¼" blotter put out by La Mutuelle Générale Française insurance company of Le Mans. Around the top and both sides are eight small square illustrations of the more popular fables of La Fontaine. $5 from Dany Wolfs, Roesalare, Belgium, May, '01.
The fables presented by the simple block illustrations here are OR, OF, WL, FC, TH, FS, MSA, and "The Lion and the Mosquito." A short adage praises La Fontaine for extolling prudence, economy, and wisdom.
1950? Blotter from Biscottes Soleil d'Or" picturing the fox and crow in vivid colors. $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '05.
In this clever design, the well-dressed fox holds out his high silk hat to catch the cheese when it falls. As in so many cases, this is a "Bon Buvard," a bonus gift that came in a package of "Sun of Gold" cookies.
1950? "Buvard a Conserver" ("a blotter to keep") from Joannic Fabrics, featuring a crow holding a piece of cloth over an expectant fox. 5¼" x 8¼". $5 from Dany Wolfs, Roeselare, Belgium, Nov., '01.
This very large cream-colored blotter with a black-and-white design of FC advertises a fabrics store "that impresses through its prices." It seems to sell all sorts of cloth. Might the telephone number with only three digits be a clue to its date?
1950? Le Coq et le Renard." Blotter presented by Les Excellentes Gaufrettes Rivoire et Jeandet. "Fables de la Fontaine." $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, Feb., '02.
This blotter seems to be rather an advertisement for a series than a member of it. Apparently Rivoire and Jeandet's wafers come in various kinds of packages, and the latest package is titled "Fables de la Fontaine." The collection comprises 84 images in, as the blotter proclaims, very pretty coloring. The story in the lovely cartoon here is UP. The (fictive?) dog seen by the cock appears on the top of the hill. The climax of the advertisement is classic: "Collect a unique collection of the fables of La Fontaine while enjoying the wafers of Rivoire & Jeandet." As it happens, now, three years later, I have found the full set of 84 cards!
1951 "The Wolf and the Crane." Twenty-Third in a Series of 24 Aesop's Fables. With calendars for December, 1951 and January, 1952. Compliments of the Tulsa Agency, J.G. Brinkley Manager. Minneapolis: Northwestern National Life Insurance Company. $2.50 from Rocky Trading, Neodesha, KS, through Ebay, Jan., '02.
This blotter, about 3½" x 6¼", presents an oval line drawing of WC in the upper left, with a full text and moral below it. The right half of the card presents its title, the series, a calendar, and the local Tulsa sponsor. The bottom of the blotter shows the national sponsor. This blotter may be among the most prosaic fable items I have.
1952? "La Cigale et la Fourmi: Version Moderne" compliments of Crédit Coopératif de France, Paris. Signed "Pomandre 52." R.C. Seine 352.357 B. 50 Francs from Annick Tilly, Clignancourt, August, '99.
In this modern version, the young cicada, unlike her mother, did not forget winter while she sang all summer. To avoid having to cry famine, she trusted in the Credit Cooperative to have a house on long-term credit. She knew that she could sing in peace for ten, fifteen, or twenty years. The house of the cicada's dreams is pictured in a nice bubble above her as she sings. Lively read and blue art on a 6" x 9" blotter.
1955? "Le Renard Se Modernise." "Ric et Rac," Fabrications Françaises KAOL, a manufacturer of shoe polishes. The illustration is signed "Pol Pab" or "Pol Rab." 8½" x 5 3/8". $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '02.
Here is a simple blotter with brown ink on a light pink background. The left section of the blotter consists in a traditional sketch of FC. The fox is, however, asking the crow to pass the Ric et Rac, and then he will be the most brilliant inhabitant of the forest. I gather that the crow is holding not a cheese but a can of shoe polish! The bottom lines have a nice jingle: "Your shoes creek, your shoes crack./Polish them with 'Ric et Rac.'"
1956? Biscottes Exona. 8. OF. Biscottes de Régime. 5¾" x 6½". Société des Produits Rationnels d'Alimentation Exona. Essonnes (S.-&-O.). Paris: Imp. S.E.R.T. $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '03.
A multicolored picture of the expanding frog graces the upper left of this colorful blotter. Poids Moyen 350 Grams.
1958? "Le Fou et le Sage." #28 from Snels Biscottes de Luxe au Lait. 5¾" x 6¾". St. Ouen (Seine). Créat. I.M., Paris. $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '02.
A large colored cartoon dominates this blotter. La Fontaine XII 2 is, in Spector's edition, "Un Fou et un Sage," whereas this blotter has "Le Fou et le Sage." This is clearly the fable, a replay of Aesop's rewarding the fool who threw a stone at him and then encouraging him to throw one at a richer man for a bigger reward. Here the well-dressed man has, I gather, a coin in his hand, while the fool has a large rock that he is ready to hurl. The latter is marked as a fool, I think, by the cooking pan he wears for a hat.
1959 GA blotter from Compagnies Françaises d'Assurances du Groupe Phénix. Concours du 140e Anniversaire. 8" x 5 3/8". $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '02.
Green, black, and red paint the familiar scene, with winter's leaves sweeping about in the winds. This is one of the few blotters I have with writing on the verso. In fact there is a great deal of writing. It explains a competition for kids between seven and fourteen years old. They are to draw the phoenix of classical mythology for a variety of specific prizes. The deadline for entries (December 31, 1959) gives a rare help to someone dating a blotter like this one. I think that this is my first fable item announcing a contest!
1960? Les Vins des Caves du Plessis Buvard N. 1. FG. Les Fables de la Fontaine. About 8¼" x 5¼". St. Venant. $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '02.
In a lovely design using black, green and red inks, the fox claims, as usual, that the grapes are too green. The blotter's text agrees but adds "but the wines of the Plessis Caves are wonderful!" The blotter also invites one to ask for the whole series of blotters at one's local provider of wines. I would love to do that!
1960? "Le loup et l'agneau." Dauré Apéritif Naturel. 5" x 7¾". $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, Feb., '02. Extra copy in only good condition from Dany Wolfs, Roeselare, Belgium, May, '01.
Red ink on a cream background. This fable builds on La Fontaine's WL. Here the wolf proclaims to the lamb as the latter scampers away: "You are lucky that I have not yet taken my Dauré this morning!" Is the point that water comes only after a Dauré aperitif opens the way for it?
1965? "le corbeau et le renard" (La Fontaine)" colored blotter. 7¼" x 4¼". La Laiterie Parisienne. Paris: E.G.F.P. $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '02.
The blotter quotes the first two lines of La Fontaine's fable: "Master Crow perched on a tree held in his beak a cheese" and then adds "It was, of course, a 'Fromage Sélectionné' from The Parisienne Dairy. The best!" The illustration in green, brown, yellow, and orange is striking.
1965? "Le Corbeau et le Renard" blue and white blotter. "Bon Buvard." 5¼" x 8¼". Pates aux Oeufs Frais Pèr' Lustucru. Grenoble. Paris: E.G.F.P. $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '03.
The blotter shows the fox running away with a large cheese in his mouth. The text on this blotter is a further advertisement: "Enfants Sages. Pour obtenir trios belles fables illustreés en couleurs envoyez-nous avec votre adresse, 8 Pèr' Lustucru découpés sur nos boites à damiers bleus."
1967? A large (8" x 6⅜") green and black blotter on a cream background. "Le Chat, la belette....Version 67." R.E.P.T.T. Paris: Kergy. $7 from Bertrand Cocq, Calonne Ricouart, France, Sept., '18.
This new – 67th! – version of the fable involves, as usual, the Jean Lapin, ousted from his home, and the squatting weasel who ousted him. As usual, the two appear before the judge cat, here presented in a formal court scene. Here, however, the cat does not eat both litigants. Rather, the cat dismisses the case of the weasel and, even better, tells her that she does not need to be a squatter. All she has to do is set up an account with the post office to save up for lodging. It is that easy!
1970? KIFO Buvard N. 3 "La Cigale et la Fourmi." Les Fables de la Fontaine. KIFO does cleaning and maintenance work. E 12 LePoivre Thellier á St. Venant (PDC). $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '02.
This pleasant blotter in red and green on a white background shows the ant and cicada conversing at the front door. "If the cicada had stopped to think, she would have been able to sing and even dance with the savings realized by having used the range of KIFO products." The bottom of the blotter invites people to look forward to the fourth in the series.
1970? Buvard offert par Semelflex, a maker of shoes. With a trace-the-dots painting of La Fontaine's shoemaker from "The Shoemaker and the Financier." Premiere Serie C: Bottillon d'Enfant. Mesmer Pub. Imp. Sézanne. 5¼" x 8¼". $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '02.
Green, red, and black highlight the face of a man and a child's shoe. When—as here—someone connects the dots, the delightful shoemaker appears, with his pipe in one hand and his hammer in the other. The blotter's invitation is well phrased: "Trace a line in the sequence of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc… and you will designate the shoemaker whom La Fontaine let sing from morning until evening."
1970? Blotter from "Aux Arts Ménagers," that is, household arts. Apparently this store offers heating, furniture, paper goods, toys. Saint-Brieuc. Four panels picturing La Fontain's "The Heron." $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '05.
This is one of the simplest French blotters I have found. The four panels trace four stages of the heron's dining day. Together they demonstrate the fate of picky taste! A quick check could not find the store or firm operating any more.
1975? Blotter advertising "Super Biscottes Sablées Saint Honoré" illustrating DW. Green and red on yellow blotter paper. 11¼" x 3⅛". $5 from Mme Denise Debuigne, Rennes, France, May, '03.
This blotter -- if indeed it is a blotter -- has an unusual size and shape. The cartoon has a dog luxuriating -- on bread cushions? -- and smoking a cigar. "Les biscottes qui honorent votre table!" "Vente reservée a la boulangerie." "Garanties exemptaes de tous produits chimiques." These cookies have everything!