Circa 1895–1905 Color Card Set with Box

41 Small Format Color Samples for Architectural and Decorative Use

This Sherwin-Williams color card set, produced between approximately 1895 and 1905, is a rare and practical piece of paint history. Housed in its original small box, the set contains 41 individual color chips, offering a compact and accessible way to explore historic palettes.

By the turn of the 20th century, Sherwin-Williams had refined the presentation of color for both homeowners and craftsmen. This set was intended to provide easy reference for exterior siding and  trim, reflecting the company’s evolving approach to residential color guidance. The boxed format made it portable and convenient, allowing users to view and compare colors directly on their own homes or workshops.

The palette included in this set represents the transitional aesthetics of the late 1890s into the early 1900s — blending the rich, earthy tones of Victorian design with the subtler, lighter shades that would become popular in the early 20th century. These colors demonstrate the balance of warmth, depth, and harmony characteristic of the era, suitable for exterior applications.

Whether you are:

• Restoring a home from the late 19th or early 20th century
• Recreating period-accurate exterior schemes
• Studying historical color evolution

This color card set provides tangible, documented examples of Sherwin-Williams colors as they were offered to consumers over 120 years ago. The inclusion of the original box and organized chips gives collectors and designers a rare, complete view of historical color presentation — compact, elegant, and fully usable for modern restoration or research purposes.

This is not a modern interpretation — these are original documented colors, preserved for historical accuracy, design authenticity, and practical guidance in color placement.

Color Matching & Sample Disclaimer

We define our historic color matches as precison-matched in hue to original manufacturer references. Each 8 oz sample is produced in our standard match grade to accurately represent the color.

Due to differences between paint products and finishes, the same color may vary slightly when produced in other grades or sheens.

Higher-grade paint options are available for final applications, just as with full home orders.

Upgrade for Best Results

Your sample represents the color. Your final paint determines the finish.

For full projects, we recommend upgrading to a higher-performance paint line for superior coverage, durability, and overall appearance—especially on exteriors and detailed trim.

Contact us for recommendations based on your specific project.