The subtle iridescent colours of these 1840s Belgian trade cards, lithographed on porcelain-coated card, were created by metallic dust which was applied when the glue-based printing ink was still wet. When the hazardous nature of the practice (it is said that the dust contained mercury) was realised in the 1860s, production ceased. The production of these cards was limited to Belgium, most cards being printed in Bruges or Ghent.

The card for A. Follett & Cie. advertises English merchandise from James Perry & Co. of London sold in Belgium. A list, mainly of stationery and fancy goods, is lithographed on the verso. The other two examples were both printed by Daveluy, lithographer to the King, in Bruges, for tradesmen working in London.

JJ Trade Cards 9 (61a) Follett & Cie

JJ Trade Cards 26 (4) Rd. Silberrad