Illustration Advantage via Der Bazar

Unlike competitors such as Godey's Lady's Book and Peterson's, which copied illustrations from French magazines and re-engraved printing plates, Harper's Bazar was sent electrotypes of the original printing plates through its partnership with Der Bazar. This allowed it to publish the latest illustrations at the same time as European journals, months ahead of other American publications, an edge it held for many years. The passages describe this as an ongoing capability during the magazine's early period rather than a discrete dated event.