Vintage Salesman Sampler Print published by Thos. D. Murphy Co. of Red Oak, Iowa — pioneers of the American art calendar industry.

Image Date Range: 1909

Image Size: 9″ x  11″    Wood-pulp Paper

Paper: Early machine-made wood-pulp paper

Description: “Songs of Other Days” by Francis Day

Early Murphy sampler print reproducing an oil painting by Francis Day titled “Songs of Other Days.” The sentimental scene reflects a man lost in his memories as a young woman plays a piano with passion.

This piece was produced as a salesman sampler, created for traveling representatives and retailers to preview artwork and print quality for upcoming calendar lines. Unlike standard calendar pages, sampler prints were not mass-distributed to the public and were made in smaller quantities, making them scarcer today.

Printed on smooth, hard-calendered machine-made wood-pulp paper characteristic of early 20th-century calendar production, this stock was favored for its even surface and clarity of reproduction prior to the widespread adoption of linen-textured paper. The paper and printing reflect the high production standards that defined Murphy’s early calendar output.