Subject: Business history

This billhead from A. Magnus, a Chicago-based dealer in hops, malt, and brewers' supplies, and an importer of brewing rice and rice flour, is dated May 15, 1891. It is addressed to Eberhardt & Ober Co. of Allegheny, PA. The transaction lists "1000 Bushes [sic] with name" at 3 cents per unit, for a total of 30.00 (represented by '3000' in the total column). The document features an ornate header with decorative borders and Victorian-style typography for the business name and product descriptions. It also includes a red overstamp reading "A. MAGNUS & SONS SUCCESSORS TO A. MAGNUS." The billhead additionally indicates that A. Magnus served as an agent for L.C. Huck Malting Co. (celebrated malt), Ripley Isinglass, and Foster Rotary Pumps. **3.

This billhead from Ballin Brothers, Manufacturers of Shirts, Drawers, &c., located at Nos. 12 & 14 Walker Street, New York, dated August 7, 1882, records a transaction with M. H. H. Underwood. The transaction details include the purchase of 240 9/12 dozen white shirts at a price of $9.25 each, totaling $89.42. The item features prominent ornate script for the business name and "Bought of", as well as a small decorative trade mark logo, possibly a beehive, on the left side. 3.

This billhead from the Eagle Pencil Company, dated May 27, 1884, records a transaction with W. H. Crossman & Bro. for "J Drop 64" items, totaling 115 units at a price of $3.50, for a total of $14.99. The terms of the sale were "1% 10 day," with all bills to be settled in 30 days by cash or note. The item features an ornate Victorian-style script for the company name, location, and date. It includes an illustrated company logo depicting an eagle holding "EAGLE PENCILS" in its talons. The billhead also advertises prize medals won in London (1862) and Paris (1867), and notes the "Highest Award at Centennial Exhibition -for- 'Cheapness & Good Quality.'" 3.

A statement of account (billhead) from the Gaff, Fleischmann & Co. agency in Hartford, Connecticut, dated May 1, 1884, addressed to Moore and Pollard. The item details purchases of yeast cakes over several months: 12 dozen in February, 13 dozen in March, and 12 dozen in April, totaling $6.75. A handwritten notation indicates "Paid by check May 10 1884." The company name "GAFF, FLEISCHMANN & CO." is prominently displayed in a bold sans-serif font, with "COMPRESSED YEAST." and "FACTORY DEPOT:" below it. Notably, the name "Gaff" is handwritten with a line through it. The document features standard ruled lines for transaction details and some handwritten additions in purple ink. **3.

This billhead from December 22, 1880, records a transaction from Greensfelder, Rosenthal & Co., manufacturers and jobbers of boots and shoes located at 105 & 107 Wabash Avenue, Chicago. The item is addressed to M. Dworak and Beckman in Oakdale, Nebraska, and lists a quantity of "19½ Doz. men's Bkce. Arat" with a 25% discount, totaling 18. The document notes "No claims for damage and shortage will be allowed Unless made within TEN DAYS after receipt of goods" and "Accounts are subject to sight draft when due, and draw interest at 10 percent from maturity." Terms are "30 days net" with a "10 [days] 1 per cent. discount." The billhead features ornate Victorian-style lettering for the company name and a decorative banner proclaiming "Manufacturers and Jobbers OF BOOTS AND SHOES." **3.

This billhead from Hassler's Musical Bureau, located at 1119 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, records a transaction on June 15, 1888. It is a receipt acknowledging payment of $12.00 from Mr. Henry W. Edwards for "Orchestral Services" provided at Andalusia on the 2nd. The document features the business name and address printed at the top in a clear, sans-serif font. The date, buyer's name, description of services, amount, and director's name are filled in with ornate, cursive handwriting. The phrase "With Thanks" and the signature "Mark Hassler" are also in a distinctive cursive style, with "With Thanks" highlighted in purple ink. **3.

This billhead from J. Switzer, a wholesale and retail dealer in Helena, Montana, dated September 1, 1879, details a transaction with Mrs. Ike Greenhood. The bill includes entries for 1 gallon of Rhine Wines, 1/2 gallon of Whiskey, and 1 bottle of Brandy, totaling $8.25. The billhead features an elaborate, ornate design characteristic of the Victorian era, including decorative typography and borders. A central lithographic illustration depicts a multi-story building labeled "WHOLESALE LIQUORS & CIGARS," presumably the business premises, surrounded by text advertising "Wines, Liquors, Cigars, Bar-Glassware, etc." and "Straight Kentucky Whiskeys a Specialty." The establishment date "ESTABLISHED 1866" is also prominently displayed. 3.

A billhead from Joseph Netter & Co., Wholesale Clothiers, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated October 5, 1883. The bill lists various clothing items, including overcoats, "legg" (likely leggings), bales, and other unspecified items, sold to Hoenig & Schutter. Quantities and individual prices are noted, totaling $473.00, with a final amount due of $439.99 after a discount. The billhead features ornate Victorian-style lettering for the business name and 'Wholesale Clothiers' designation, with a decorative border around the business address. It also includes warnings regarding claim submission and prompt payment. The reverse side contains handwritten calculations and notes, indicating a payment or account adjustment. **3.

This billhead from L. Levenson & Co., Manufacturers and Jobbers of Clothing, located at 548 & 550 Broadway, New York, is dated February 10, 1888. It details a transaction for Mr. Jos. Brooks of Waterloo, NY. The invoice lists five distinct clothing items, each with a quantity of one, priced at 3.50, 3.75, 3.75, 4.00, and 3.75, for a total of 18.75. The document features a decorative banner-style company logo for "L. LEVENSON & CO." with "MANUFACTURERS AND JOBBERS OF CLOTHING" specified below it. The date and buyer's name are written in an ornate script, typical of late 19th-century commercial stationery. 3.

This billhead from Louis Stix & Co., Dealers in Dry Goods, Notions, Cloaks, and Mantillas, documents a transaction with Mr. Jno Rick on August 31, 1870. The invoice lists various dry goods items, including yarn, needles, thread, prints, and carpet chain, with specified quantities and prices, totaling $128.65, with a final payment received of $128.36. The document features a detailed lithographic illustration of the Louis Stix & Co. store building and the company name displayed in ornate Victorian-style lettering. A U.S. revenue stamp is affixed to the lower left corner.

This billhead, dated November 8, 1877, details a transaction between M. S. Kahn, successor to Kahn & Goldsmith, Importers of Baskets, and Mess. Oliver & Norton. The itemized list includes various baskets, willow ware, papier mache goods, Japanese and colored willow furniture. The total amount due is $54.70. The billhead features a decorative vignette of a willow ware folding stand and ornate Victorian-style lettering for the business name, prominently displaying "M. S. Kahn, SUCCESSOR TO KAHN & GOLDSMITH, IMPORTERS OF Baskets and German Baskets, Willow Ware & Papier Mache Goods, JAPAN and COLORED WILLOW FURNITURE, &c, &c." 3.

This billhead, dated January 21, 1870, details a transaction between Phillips & Liebenstein, manufacturers of chairs and furniture in Chicago, and Messrs. Rohrbough & Moore. The itemized list includes "1 Doz. Bryman Hall," "1/2 Doz. Backs," "1 Flag Seat Chair," and "3 Dining" (possibly Dining Chairs or related items) for a total of $42.25, with a "Cartage" charge of $1.60, resulting in a total of $40.65 due. The document notes a 5% deduction for cash payment on wood seat chairs. Visually, the billhead features ornate Victorian-style lettering for the business name and "CHAIRS AND FURNITURE" sections, alongside a decorative border, typical of commercial documents of the period. 3.

This billhead documents a transaction between Rubel & Penglase, Importers & Wholesale Liquor and Cigar Merchants, located at Fourth & Main Streets in Ogden, Utah, and Miss Halliday. The bill, dated February 4, 1886, records the purchase of one case of Curaco for 12 units of currency. The item also indicates an association with Halliday & Co. in Dillon, Montana. The billhead features a detailed lithographic illustration of the Rubel & Penglase building, along with ornate Victorian-style typography for the company name and decorative borders, typical of late 19th-century commercial design. The business also maintained a branch in Sidney, Nebraska, and an office in Cincinnati, Ohio. 3.

Billhead from June 2, 1872, for H. Rosenthal & Bro., Manufacturers of Brushes. The billhead lists the company's addresses as 231 Pearl Street, 120 Chambers Street, and factory at 50 Warren Street, all in New York, New York. The billhead includes a brief history of the company, noting its establishment over 25 years prior to 1875, when Maurice Rosenthal joined the partnership. The company's brushes were known for their quality and exported to Canada, South America, and Europe. The company's "Arrow Brand" brushes are specifically mentioned.

Billhead of the Neafie & Levy Ship & Engine Building Co. located in Philadelphia, PA. Established in 1838, Neafie & Levy was a prominent iron shipbuilder, a chief rival to William Cramp in 19th-century Philadelphia. Initially building fire engines, boilers, and stationary steam engines, the company expanded into shipbuilding, launching iron steamboats for export to South America as early as 1844. The firm's success was facilitated by Captain John P. Levy's financial resources and shipping connections. Thomas Reaney left the firm in 1859. The company operated until 1907, its shipyard situated in Philadelphia's Kensington section, an area now occupied by a Philadelphia Electric power plant.

Illustrated broadside from Greenhood & Bohm, cigar manufacturers located in New York, New York, circa 1890. The broadside advertises their "Our Pride" brand cigars, offering a finely finished Hot Water Urn as a premium for purchasing 1000 cigars for $35.00. The text describes the urn as a "beautiful ornament" and notes its use for heating, powered by spirit or gas, stating it "makes a beautiful ornament wherever it is placed." The item features a prominent illustration of the hot water urn, printed in purple ink, and includes a detailed text description of the offer. 3.

A carte-de-visite featuring a sepia-toned photographic portrait of an unknown, bearded man. The man is depicted from the chest up, looking to his left, wearing a suit and bow tie. The reverse side of the card features an ornate, Victorian-style design for Bogardus & Bendann Brothers' Photographic and Portrait Galleries, located at No. 1153 Broadway, near 27th Street, New York. The design includes decorative borders, elegant typography, and a central emblem featuring a shield, musical instruments, floral elements, and radiating lines.

Unusual advertising piece: a brush handle with the name and address of H. M. Levine carved into the top. The address is listed as 125 Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts. The date is unknown, but estimated to be around 1920 based on stylistic features and other materials in this collection. The item is part of a larger collection of Judaica Americana.

Card game counter patented by Saladee in March 1864. Manufactured by Samuel Hart & Co. of Philadelphia and New York. The obverse shows a card back. This artifact is a first edition from the Civil War era. The collection also contains an 1885 counter from Samuel Hart and Consolidated Card. Bezique, a card game developed in France from Piquet, is described, noting its evolution into Pinochle and its continued play in the USA. The description details the history of Lawrence and Cohen, a card manufactory, their transition into a stock company in 1871 with Samuel Hart and Isaac and John J. Levy, forming the New York Consolidated Card Company.

Civil War-era store token issued by Isaac Beers' business in Marshall, Michigan. The token features the inscription "ISAAC BEERS*STOVES*HARDWARE*TOOLS & TINWARE*MARSHALL, MICH." It is dated circa 1863. This item is part of the O Collection at the University of Pennsylvania.

A bank deposit slip from L. H. Hershfield & Co., Bankers, located in Virginia City, Montana Territory, dated December 7, 1866. The slip indicates categories for deposits including Gold Dust, Gold Coin, Silver, and Treasury Notes. Handwritten entries show a deposit of $1147 in Gold Coin. The item features ornate Victorian-style lettering for the business name "L. H. Hershfield & Co., BANKERS" at the top, and a standard ruled format typical of 19th-century financial documents. 3.

Partial deck of playing cards produced by Huestis & Levy, containing 41 cards, including a joker and an eagle, but lacking indexes. The firm's brief existence (approximately 1853-1855) makes this incomplete set a rare find. Accompanying the cards is a printed advertisement from an unbound volume of "The Illustrated American Biography" (J. Milton Emerson and Co., New York, 1854-1855), measuring approximately 8"x10.5", depicting the Huestis & Levy factory/storefront at 177 & 179 Grand Street, New York. This advertisement provides context to the playing card set and the short-lived partnership of John J. Levy and Huestis. John J. Levy was the nephew of Lewis I. Cohen, a founder of one of the early American card-making families. After leaving his uncle's employ, Levy partnered with Huestis. In 1854, Lewis I. Cohen retired, and his son and nephew formed Lawrence and Cohen. On December 5th, 1871, Lawrence and Cohen, along with Samuel Hart and Isaac Levy, formed the New York Consolidated Card Company.

This item consists of a broadside advertising "COHEN'S OFFICES" and the "CATHEDRAL CHURCH LOTTERY," sent as a stampless letter. The broadside, dated Baltimore, June 1820, announces the lottery drawing schedule and details the prize structure, with a highest prize of $40,000 and other prizes ranging down to $5,000. It states that $35,000 will be distributed in prizes without deduction. Whole tickets were sold for $20, with fractional tickets also available. The broadside features ornate typography typical of early 19th-century public announcements, utilizing varied font sizes, bolding, and decorative elements to highlight key information, particularly prize amounts. The reverse side contains a handwritten letter from J. I. Cohen, Jr. to Elie Beatty concerning financial transactions, dated July 2, 1820, from Baltimore, MD to Hagerstown, MD. 3.

This letter, dated October 1, 1887, is from Curry Marks, an agent for S. Loeb, a dealer in Dry Goods and Groceries located at Arnold's Corner in Montgomery, Alabama, and is addressed to Messrs. R. E. Gish & Co. in Lynchburg, Virginia. The letter discusses business matters, including a returned freight shipment from Dadeville, an unsuccessful attempt to meet Mr. Robinson, and confirmation that Mr. Ward has received his goods. Marks also addresses an incorrect charge for a box of cigars, explaining that it was provided to Sam Rice as a sample with the understanding of a larger order, and requests credit for it. The letter is written on a pre-printed billhead for S. Loeb, featuring the business name in ornate Victorian-style lettering and identifying the business as a "DEALER IN DRY GOODS AND GROCERIES" at "ARNOLD'S CORNER."

This letter, dated May 12, 1890, from Triest & Co. in San Francisco to S. Marks & Co. in Roseburg, Oregon, addresses an incorrect order. Triest & Co., manufacturers and wholesale dealers in hats and caps, acknowledges an error in selecting goods, specifically mentioning lot 56by and lot 66by, and offers to correct the issue by sending a credit bill or allowing a return. The letter features a decorative letterhead for Triest & Co., including an illustration of hats and caps and ornate Victorian-style script. **3.

This pamphlet contains two full-page advertisements from a 1879 "Clothier and Hatter Periodical." One advertisement is for M. Sampter & Sons, located at 261 & 263 Canal Street, New York. It promotes their Spring and Summer 1879 collection of Youths', Boys' and Children's Clothing, noting their recent move to more extensive quarters. The second advertisement is for Hammerslough Brothers, Wholesale Clothiers, located at 478, 480 & 482 Broadway, New York. It features their Spring and Summer stock of "Novelties" and highlights their specialization in "White Vests" made from various fabrics. Both advertisements feature bold, period-appropriate typography and decorative borders. The Hammerslough Brothers ad includes a distinctive illustrative logo with three stylized vests framed in an arch. 3.

This trade card serves as a compliment from Dryfoos, Bach & Co., One-Price Clothiers located opposite the First National Bank in Fremont, Ohio. The front of the card features a colorful lithographic illustration depicting a serene pastoral scene with a house, a pond with two ducks, a woman walking a dog, and various trees and foliage. The reverse side presents the business's information in ornate Victorian-style lettering. The card also contains a handwritten notation "Mrs. H. Sawyer." 3.

Trade card advertising the mercantile business of Solomon Morris, located at the corner of Morgan Avenue and Scholes Street in Brooklyn, New York. The card includes a phone number (Pulaski 0900.1.2.3) and states the business was established in 1899. The card dates from circa 1910 based on the phone number format. The location of the business is confirmed by geographic metadata.