Two color advertising cards for clipper ships in "Coleman's California Line / For San Francisco." Cards framed and matted side-by-side in 3/4 in. gold frame, each card measuring 3 3/4 x 6 1/4 in. (sight), framed together to 14 3/4 x 12 in.

"The A 1 Extreme Clipper Ship / Queen of the East / N.P. Schibye, Commander." Gold border, black and gold print, with color vignette of queen and scepter raised towards the ocean where a three-masted vessel is at sea.

"The Popular First-Class Clipper Ship / Asterion / E.C. Gardner, Commander, is now rapidly loading at Pier 15, E.R., / Foot of Wall Street." Gold border, black and gold print, with color vignette of Poseidon-like figure.

The California Clipper Line was owned by William T. Coleman & Co., 161 Pearl Street, San Francisco, which operated at that address ca 1862-1864. Clipper ship sailing cards became a popular form of advertising after the discovery of gold in California and the ensuing California Gold Rush. These cards were delivered to businesses as a method of advertising upcoming voyages to San Francisco, assuring that potential prospectors and adventurers were aware of opportunities to set sail.