This interesting piece is a combination of a public challenge and business card used as advertising by the Young Bros. General Engravers firm c. the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The firm was founded in 1883 by Eugene Young, who was the youngest son and younger brother of the legendary firearms engravers, Gustave and Oscar Young respectively. Eugene also employed his son, Robert G. Young. Eugene Young (1862-1924) was initially trained in engraving by his father Gustave and became a journeyman engraver at Colt from approximately 1880-1882. Upon leaving the employ of Colt, Eugene was given a personal letter of recommendation from the iconic Colt engraver Cuno A. Helfricht. Eugene then worked for various firms, including Wilcox Silver Plate and both the Elgin National Watch Co. and Aurora Watch Co., before entering the business partnership with his son Robert. Information on Eugene can be found on p. 133 of "Colt Factory Engravers of the 19th Century" by Houze where an example of this card is also pictured. The card itself measures 3 x 4 1/2 inches and at its core is a public challenge set out to other engraving firms, while also displaying their personal skill for advertisement. At the center of the front of the card is a very small stamp with the visible text reading "FIND NAME/INSIDE HERE", surrounded by the printed text "EXAMINE WITH A/STRONG GLASS". When examined with "a strong glass", the minuscule stamps "R. YOUNG" and "E. YOUNG" become visible within the designated area. Additional text on the card goes on to state that the letters in the names are 1/300 of an inch and that each name is 1/20 of an inch long. The back of the card states that the firm has issued a challenge to the U.S. Mint's engravers as well as any other engravers to replicate the stamp, and that up to that date, no duplicate had been produced.

Excellent, the card showing minimal wear and some very slight age darkening, clear printed text, and a crisp stamp. A very interesting and unique early advertising piece connected to the legendary Young family of firearms engravers!