This vintage trade card advertises a major fine-thread company. Their product was effective in holding their color in the wash. In the advertising copy seen on the reverse of the card, the company insults users of their competitor's product. The copy states "Intelligent people do not wash their clothes in acid baths". This originally Scottish firm was established by a weaver named James Coats (1774-1857) and his brother, Patrick. The company specialized in making cotton yarns. Later, he added silk yarn to the company's products. James Coats retired in 1830 and was succeeded by his four sons. The company began to expand their market by selling internationally. In 1866, the firm opened a mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island where they produced a variety of threads. In the 1880's J & P Coats opened more mills in the United States and their trade cards became popular. During the twentieth century, the company continued to expand around the world via acquisitions and mergers. Interestingly, embroidery threads are still being produced under the trade name of J & P Coats. It is important to note that this trade card's advertising copy is unacceptably racist. The heading in front of the card states "We Never Fade". Below this caption are pictures of a couple of black birds (crows?) as well as a picture of a black child. Obviously, the message is that the company's black thread holds it's color just as much as a black bird or a black child hold their own color. Understandably, such racist advertising would not pass muster today. This vintage trade card is in good condition (see scans).