These lovely cards were created for The Youth's Companion magazine in Boston, which was published by Perry Mason & Co. Visually, they are similar to the Arbuckle Coffee trade cards with small state maps surrounded by views, buildings, agriculture and industry representative of each state. Accompanying descriptive text and statistics are printed on versos. A complete set calls for 49 cards - the 48 lower states plus the District of Columbia. The present set is nearly complete, missing the California card, and includes duplicates of Iowa and Utah. The Indian Territory card is particularly interesting as the newly formed Oklahoma Territory (organized May 2, 1890) is shown stamped in red letters over the western portion of Indian Territory.

The Youth's Companion was a children's magazine that ran for over 100 years (1827-1929). While it's original focus was centered on religion, the magazine shifted focus in the 1890s to entertainment for both children and adults.

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Condition: B+

Cards are very good to mostly near fine with some minor wear and soiling along the far edges. One of the Iowa cards (there are 2) has a small chip at lower right and the Delaware card has a tiny chip in the top margin.