Vin Mariani, Cocaine & Wine, Patent Medicine - A collection of 150 post cards "L'Album Mariani" designed by famous artists

1910. A collection of post cards introduced in five series of thirty created by renown artists of the day. Of the 150 cards this offering includes 119 original unused post cards and 31 photocopies of the original cards (place holders). The images were created by the artist, usually designed after one of their original works but making the Vin Mariani the featured element. Many of the cards are captioned with reference to the product. Other artists created completely new concepts to promote the tonic. Each card measures 5 1/2" x 3 1/2".

As an example, the artists in the first series Paul Avril, F. Roybet, Ch, Waltner, Lévy-Dhurmer, G, Meunier, Paul Renouard, H, Berteaux, Muenier, Mucha, Hermann Paul, Eug, Murer, Lacault, Ribéra, K, Adler, Léon Glaize, Le Sidaner, Paul-Albert Laurens, Louis Noël, Ferigoule, A, Lalauze, Hagborg, Atalaya, W, Bouguereau, A, Maignan, J, Cheret, De Richemont, Bigot, Sem, Léandre and L, Vallet. At age 25, in 1863, Angelo Mariani marketed a patent medicine called Vin Tonique Mariani a la Coca de Perou. Based on Bordeaux wind infused with three varietals of coca leaves in the bottle. It was immediately applauded as an ideal stomach stimulant, analgesic on the air passages and vocal chords, appetite suppressant, antidepressant and treatment against anemia. Dosed as a small glass to be taken 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals. Each ounce contained 6 mg of cocaine. Loved by kings and queens, popes and presidents, scientists and inventors, writers and dancers and more. Testimonials filled 15 leather -bound published volumes.