Let’s Check Out Some Cool Old Business Letters and Invoices
Each one provides a peek into a distinct little industry-specific world.
Editor’s Note: This post includes discussion of fairly small and beautiful visual details. If possible, I strongly recommend reading the post on a computer (not on your phone), and also urge you to read the web version (not the emailed or app versions). The web version, when viewed on a computer, has larger-formatted photos, which makes a big difference. But it’s still a fun post, no matter how you read it. Enjoy! — Paul
Nearly two months ago, I did a post about vintage billheads — century-old company invoices featuring ornate designs and interesting phrases (including “Both Phones,” which led to a follow-up post).
In the time since that previous post, I’ve continued to come across lots of interesting vintage business stationery, so I’ve decided to do another roundup. The letterhead shown above, for example, which is from 1896, has several noteworthy elements, which I’ll list here roughly from top to bottom:
“Steam Curled Hair & Bristles” — now that’s a niche-specific business!
Look at all the fiber varieties in the vertical listing at top left: wool, camel hair, cow hair, horse hair, goat hair, hair cloth (I had to look that one up), and African fibre.
Amusing to see that a company named Woll sells wool.
The similar listing at top right includes the term “Tampico.” Had to look that up as well. Also: Feathers!
“Highest Award for Curled Hair” at the World’s Colombian Exposition!
I like how the letter touts the company’s palm fibre as “sweet and of improved picking.”
Cool, right? Here are 15 more, almost all more than 100 years old and each one providing a peek into a distinct industry-specific world. Just like last time, they’re filled with beautiful designs, intriguing information, and, in some cases, very evocative handwriting. In each case, I’ve listed the points of interest from top to bottom. Off we go!
The Hayes Duster Company, 1915
Perhaps the hair, bristles, and feathers sold by Peter Woll & Sons were purchased by this company for their brooms and dusters. What I really like here is the logo at top left, which features the irrefutable slogan “Dusters That Dust.” Here’s a closer look:
D.L. Hamill, 1907
It’s hard to express how much I love that illustration of the owl and the moon staring at each other … but what do an owl and the moon have to do with plumbing supplies?