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Salesman samples are scaled-down versions of real products used to demonstrate features to retailers or potential customers. Also known as salesmen samples or salesman’s samples, these miniature goods were popular in the late 19th and early 20th...
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Salesman samples are scaled-down versions of real products used to demonstrate features to retailers or potential customers. Also known as salesmen samples or salesman’s samples, these miniature goods were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as they were easily transportable by traveling salespeople and allowed dealers to display a variety of items in their showrooms that could then be ordered directly from a manufacturer. Unlike toy versions of household items aimed at children, many salesman's samples were highly detailed with working parts so they could be used to demonstrate full functionality. The miniatures were typically labeled with a product name and company logo, and included brochures with marketing copy pointing out important details of the product. Often, the samples were carried in a specially designed briefcase, which sometimes contained several versions of the same item in a range of colors, styles, or finishes. Salesman samples were manufactured by major companies such as Avon, John Deere, General Electric, Sears, and Coca-Cola. Products adapted for miniature salesman samples included kitchenware, stoves, sewing machines, cash registers, tractors, books, dolls, cameras, perfumes, light bulbs, suitcases, shoes, telephones, steam engines, rugs, gates, coffins, swimming pools, neon lights, and much more. Generally, the more a vintage salesman sample remains true to the original product and its working features, the higher its value to collectors.

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