Small tokens of congratulation given to students for good behavior and scholastic accomplishments have been utilized by teachers for generations. The practice was most popular during the nineteenth century when printing techniques evolved to make this form of ephemera more readily available. Most of these rewards are small pieces of paper with either hand-drawn or printed decoration. Some are elaborately ornamented with illustrations and color, while others are simpler, with only the words “Reward of Merit” and the student’s name. Others are in more unusual forms such as bookmarks or small cups.

These three reward of merit bookmarks probably date to the 1880’s. They are made of heavy card stock and measure 6 ½” x 1 ½”. They are printed in gold with elaborately scrolled titles and “Presented to” and “By” lines for writing the student’s and teacher’s names. On the ends of each is a different set of chromo pictures—an exotic bird and a lion, a knight and a lady, and an oriole and a water cistern (a bit of an odd choice that must be symbolic—water of life?)

The rewards of merit are in excellent condition with a spot of foxing on the back corner of one. Please examine the photos and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

While you are here, do take a peek at the other rewards of merit I have available at this time. Thank you for visiting my shop today.