Subject: California

An advertising booklet, titled "A. B. C. Guide," for Rothschild & Ehrenpfort, confectioners located in San Francisco, California. The booklet lists over 100 varieties of their "Fine Cream Works and Chocolate Goods" in alphabetical order, including candies such as Ambrosia Cream, Apricot Bonbons, Children's Delight, Olympic Bonbons, and Zante Currant Balls. It notes that goods are "Elegantly Packed in 5-Lb. Cartons" and made with "Best Materials and Finest Fruit Flavors." The cover features red ink on tan cardstock, with decorative Victorian-style borders, ornate typography, and a charming illustration of a bear holding a candy bar. The booklet also mentions that a complete catalog and a catalogue of Christmas goods were available. 3.

Militia Buckle - Dug...California gold rush era militia buckle from the 1850s. The set was found in Placer county, California. The wreath is embossed BONDY BROTHERS & CO. on the belt loop cross bar. This is the only early militia wreath made that was stamped with a maker's name. The Bondy Brothers (Adolph & Joseph...possibly Leopod also) business was in New York selling accoutrements and supplies to the military and miners during the gold rush. As with other New York businesses, that were trying to capitalize on the gold rush market in California, the Bondy's opened a store in San Francisco to sell goods that were manufactured at their New York business. William Taussig & the Pollack brothers were other gold rush-based businesses that manufactured in New York and sold in San Francisco to the gold rush market. As the gold rush market declines, in 1859, the Bondy Brothers move their business to 6 Dey Street in New York City and begin to manufacture shirts. 1863 New York Directory lists Adolph dealing in shirts and Joseph working in whalebone. Whalebone. The 1875 New York directory shows both Adolph and Joseph move to 25 Howard Street and are working in ribbons. The ribbons could possibly be for Civil War veteran organizations or some sort of trimmings on hats or clothes. was used in the manufacture of ladies corsets. In the US, from 1873 to 1879, 18,000 businesses went bankrupt, including 89 railroads. Ten states and hundreds of banks went bankrupt. Unemployment peaked in 1878, Hard times for the citizens of the United States and the Bondy Brothers trying to make a living manufacturing and selling ribbons. The last listing for the Bondy Brothers appears in the 1878 New York City directory listing them as commission merchants and manufacturing ribbons in New York City and residing in New Jersey.

This billhead from Ackerman, Block & Co. in San Francisco, dated April 20, 1883, details a transaction with S. Chielovich & Co. for various household and mercantile goods. Ackerman, Block & Co. is identified as importers of "Crockery, Glassware, Plated Ware, Cutlery, Lamps, Kerosene Goods, House Furnishing Goods, Clocks, Etc." The billhead lists numerous items such as punch tumblers, sherries, med & ales, honey mitchels, bar tumblers, bars, thins, fancies, cut caraffes, Derby liqueures, cordials, bittertubes, pedral paid pears, singes, buggy bar rd chgs, car kerosene, eng bottled, and Chaguagh glasses, with their respective quantities and prices. The total amount for the transaction is 185.5960. The document features ornate Victorian-style lettering for the business names and a notice at the top stating, "OUR GOODS BEING PACKED BY EXPERIENCED PACKERS, NO CLAIMS FOR BREAKAGE CAN BE MADE." 3.

This billhead from Ehrman & Wormser, Commission Merchants and Dealers in California Canned & Dried Fruits, Raisins, Honey, Nuts, Beans, Hops, etc., dated September 30, 1888, records a transaction with Mess. Wadhams & Elliott. The transaction details include 100% Prunes at 24 lbs for a total of $165.00, and additional goods amounting to $170. The document features an ornate lithograph company logo depicting a crowned king with "TRADE MARK" beneath it, a prominent banner stating "COMMISSION MERCHANTS," and decorative Victorian-style lettering for the business name. 3.

This billhead from F. Mandlebaum, Importer and Dealer in Fine Wines and Liquors located at 312 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, California, dated March 22, 1878, records a transaction for B. Brignole of Sutter Creek. The items purchased include three cases of pint flask whiskey and other unspecified liquors. The document specifies "Terms Cash, Payable in U.S. Gold Coin." Visually, the billhead features ornate Victorian-style lettering for the business name and description, along with decorative graphic elements, including a logo stating "Bought of" and elaborate borders around the business name. 3.

This billhead from H. Levi & Co., Importers and Dealers in Groceries, Provisions, Liquors, and other goods, records a transaction with J. Feder & Bro. in San Francisco on October 20, 1865. The invoice lists various items including candies, soaps, raisins, hot pepper, and "Catcheys" (likely a type of preserve or sauce), totaling $155.25. The billhead specifies payment terms, noting that "All reclamations for damage or deficiency must be made within five days after receipt of goods" and "after 30 days two per cent, interest will be charged." A prominent red stamp indicates that payment is "PAYABLE IN U.S. GOLD COIN AT PAR, OR ITS EQUIVALENT." The document features ornate Victorian-style script for the date and buyer's name, contrasting with the bold, block-letter company logo of H. Levi & Co. and its detailed description of goods. **3.

This billhead from Hoffman and Co., importers and wholesale dealers in fancy goods, embroideries, ribbons, laces, millinery, and white goods, is dated August 29, 1885. The transaction lists the sale of "6 yds. col. Silk White" for a total of $21 to Rosenberg Bro. The item specifies that it is "Payable in U. S. Gold Coin." The billhead features ornate Victorian-style lettering for the business name and a decorative framed illustration on the left side, detailing their offerings of "Gents' & Ladies' Furnishing Goods, Dress Trimmings, Hair Nets, HOSIERY!"

This billhead for Hyman Brothers, Importers and Wholesale Grocers, documents a transaction where goods were bought by Wadhams & Elliott. The item is dated September 11, 1885, and originates from Hyman Brothers' San Francisco office located at 216 and 218 California Street. The billhead features ornate Victorian-style script for the "Hyman Brothers" name and "IMPORTERS AND WHOLESALE GROCERS," along with a prominent "Bought of" stamp. It also lists additional branch offices in New York (102 Chambers St.), Honolulu, H.I., and Nevada City, Cal., indicating the extensive reach of the business.

This billhead from J. Schreiber, Bedding and Furniture, located at 121 and 123 Sansome Street in San Francisco, details a transaction with Messrs A. Cohn & Co. dated October 16, 1867. The invoice lists various bedding items purchased, including 6 Double Pulu Beds for $60.00, 6 3/4 Pulu Beds for $48.00, 6 Single Pulu Beds for $30.00, 12 1/2 Pillows for $12.00, and Burlap for $3.00, totaling $149.00. The item features a decorative red lithograph on the left depicting a bed and two figures, advertising "PULU. CURLED HAIR, MOSS, TOW, EXCELSIOR TWINE, FURNITURE SPRINGS, Red Lace, Ticking, Etc." The business name "J. SCHREIBER" is printed in ornate Victorian-style lettering, and the document includes ruled lines for itemization. 3.

This billhead from Samuel Haas & Co., dealers in clothing, gents' furnishing goods, boots, shoes, hats, caps, and traveling bags, documents a transaction with M. Savage Mining Company. The invoice, dated August 1, 1868, from Virginia, Nevada, details the purchase of a rubber coat for $13.00 and boots for $7.00, totaling $20.00. The item features an ornate, framed logo for S. Haas & Co. with their business details and a list of their branches in San Francisco and Gold Hill, Nevada. The text uses a mix of standard and decorative Victorian-style lettering. A handwritten note indicates "Paid Payment" on August 24, with illegible signatures below.

This billhead from The San Francisco Chronicle, dated March 11, 1887, details a charge of $4.00 to A. W. Furst for an advertisement. The document advertises "THE WEEKLY CHRONICLE, The Star Weekly of the Pacific $1.50 a Year" and boasts an average circulation of 43,500. The left side of the billhead features a section of "TESTIMONIALS from some of the Leading San Francisco Merchants." The item displays ornate Victorian-style lettering for the date and the main business name, and decorative borders enclosing the testimonial section. 3.

This broadside is a printed notification from the firm Rosenbaum & Einstein. The text announces that an agent will be visiting on March 8th. The broadside includes the business's address: Clay & Battery Streets, San Francisco, California. The date is from the 1870s. Image 1 shows a close-up of the printed text. Image 2 is NOT ENOUGH INFO. The back of the broadside is NOT ENOUGH INFO.

Carte-de-visite (CDV) portrait photograph of Phinehas Willard, produced by E. A. Kusel of Oroville, California, likely in the 1870s. Willard, known for striking it rich in a gold mine near Oroville, is depicted from the waist up, seated, wearing a suit and bow tie. The photograph is a sepia-toned albumen print, characteristic of the Carte-de-visite format popular in the mid to late 19th century. The reverse side of the card features the photographer's imprint: 'E. A. KUSEL. MONTGOMERY STREET. Oroville.' **3.

A hand-tinted carte-de-visite photograph, likely taken between 1865 and 1870, by photographer E. A. Kusel in Oroville, California. The photograph depicts two young, unknown children standing side-by-side, with the boy on the left wearing a suit and the girl on the right in a pink dress and floral headpiece. The image exhibits a characteristic studio backdrop and lighting of the mid-19th century. The reverse side of the card features the photographer's imprint, "E. A. KUSEL, MONTGOMERY STREET, Oroville," centered in ornate typography. The hand-tinting provides color to the children's clothing and facial features, a common decorative practice for studio portraits of the era.

This carte-de-visite features a studio portrait of two young boys, possibly twins, holding hands. They are dressed in dark, possibly military-style, outfits with decorative buttons and belts, and wear boots. The photograph was taken by I. G. Levy at the Eureka Photograph Gallery in San Francisco, California, circa 1870s. The reverse side of the carte-de-visite features the photographer's imprint with ornate Victorian-style lettering for "Eureka Photograph Gallery" and "I. G. Levy", along with the

This legal document is a summons from the Justice's Court of First Township, City of Oakland, in the County of Contra Costa, State of California, dated December 18, 1877. It concerns a suit filed by Jacob & Levy against John E. Valinera. The document orders Valinera to appear in court for an action brought against him for the sum of $44.43 for "goody wears and merchandise Sold and delivered." The document features handwritten details filling in pre-printed legal form text, typical of court records from the period.

A letter from Code, Elfelt & Co., manufacturers of jellies, jams, preserves, pickles, ketchups, sauces, and canned fruits and vegetables, located at 344 Washington Street, San Francisco. Dated April 5, 1879, the letter is addressed to S. R. Buford & Co. in Virginia City, Montana. It acknowledges an order from S. R. Buford & Co., states that an invoice is enclosed, and informs the recipient of a promising large and choice crop of fruits that will enable them to offer a full assortment of products. The letter features a printed letterhead with the company name, product list, and address, written in an ornate Victorian-style font, and the body of the letter is handwritten in a cursive script. 3.

A letter from I. Glazier & Co. to Carson City Savings Bank, dated May 24, 1877, concerning financial transactions. The letter mentions enclosing $50 for Eureka S.P. interests, a receipt for 5 dollars $2.50, and details about a Belmont assessment. The letterhead features ornate Victorian-style cursive lettering for "Office of I. Glazier & Co." and "412 California St. San Francisco". The body of the letter is also handwritten in cursive. 3.

This handwritten letter, dated June 11, 1849, is from P. Selling in Macon, Mississippi, to M. B. Cohen in Mobile, Alabama. The letter discusses financial matters, specifically mentioning a sum of $100 to be directed to Dorchester and placed to P. Selling's credit, requesting information via 'arnoch'. It also notes that John Selling departed New York on May 21st for California aboard the Steamer Crescent City, heading towards Chagres and Panama. The reverse side features the address to M. B. Cohen and a clear 'MACON MS' postal cancellation mark. **3.

This is a handwritten letter dated February 9, 1871, from S. Marks in Roseburg, Oregon, to R. Cohen in San Francisco, California. The letter reminds Cohen of an outstanding debt ("bill of bee 22 feet") and asks for a reply. It also seeks Cohen's opinion and potential involvement regarding the Oregon City Manufacturing Company's interest in establishing an agency for the purchase of wool "spring clips." S. Marks requests Cohen's views on the proposal and asks him to keep the discussion private. The letter is written in cursive on lined paper. **3.

This document is a true copy of a resolution from The Hibernia Savings and Loan Society, dated July 1, 1894. The resolution, originally passed on July 5, 1894, authorizes Theodor Blodes and Sigmund Fischer to receive and receipt for moneys deposited with the Society under Pass-Book No. 165/913 for Chebra B'rith Shalom. The document includes the printed text of the resolution with handwritten dates, names, and signatures, including those of the authorized individuals (Theodor Blodes and Sigmund Fischer) and Soloman Meyer (Sec.). An indication for a "SEAL" is present at the bottom left.

This document is a true copy of an original resolution from The Hibernia Savings and Loan Society, dated May 17, 1894, in San Francisco. The resolution, initially passed at a regular meeting of Congregation Ohabai Shalom on May 10, 1894, authorizes B. Reiss (attorney) and Abraham Altmayer to receive and sign receipts for moneys deposited with The Hibernia Savings and Loan Society, specifically for Pass-Book No. 1656. The item is a printed form with handwritten details, including dates, names, account number, and signatures. It also indicates a space for a seal. 3.

This document is a true copy of an original resolution passed by The Hibernia Savings and Loan Society on January 8, 1894. The resolution authorizes Morris Whitehead, William Davis, David Cohn, and Julius Israelsky to receive and receipt for moneys on deposit with the society from Pass-Book No. 52550, on behalf of Chebra Chavai Shalom. The document includes the genuine signatures of these four individuals, along with their official designations: Julius Israelsky (Secretary), Morris Whitehead (President), W. Davis (first Trustee), and David Cohn (second Trustee). The item features a formal printed layout with a script-like font for the main body of the resolution, completed with handwritten details and signatures. A placeholder for a "SEAL" is indicated at the bottom left, characteristic of late 19th-century financial documents. 3.

This legal document is a summons issued in the Justice's Court of Oakland, Contra Costa County, California, on August 6, 1878. The plaintiffs, J. Jacob & Levy, are suing Christian Lass to recover one hundred dollars on a promissory note with interest, and four dollars for merchandise. The document instructs Lass to appear in court within twenty days. A note on the reverse indicates the summons was served on August 7, 1878, by Deputy Sheriff M. G. Wilson. The item is a printed legal form with handwritten details filled in, typical of court documents from the late 19th century. **3.

A double-sided trade card for Herrman Cohn, an importer and wholesale dealer located at 19 Dupont Street, San Francisco, California. The front of the card features a red illustration of a lighthouse on a rocky shore with radiating light, alongside the business name and address in bold, decorative typography. The verso details the products offered: moldings, frames, engravings, artists' materials, chromos, photographs, ornaments, cut out pictures, decalcomanies, looking glasses, and cords. The typography on both sides is bold and decorative. Note: The business name appears as "Herrman Cohn" on the front and "Herrman Cohen" on the verso. 3.

This trade card advertises L. Loupe, a dealer in dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, carpets, oil cloths, and matting, located in Gilroy, CA. The card features a humorous black and white illustration titled "Courtship On The Beach," depicting two pairs of feet emerging from under a large beach umbrella, with other figures under smaller umbrellas in the background. The text beneath the illustration details the business's offerings.

This trade card for L. Loupe, a dealer in dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, carpets, oil cloths, and matting in Gilroy, California, features a comical illustration titled “A Front Seat in a Rail-Road Car.” The image depicts a person from behind, wearing a large, ornate hat that obstructs the view for anyone sitting behind them on a train. The card uses blue ink on a light background with a simple decorative border. The verso is blank.

This trade card advertises L. Loupe, a dealer in dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, carpets, oil cloths, and matting in Gilroy, California. The card features a whimsical black and white illustration at the top depicting two figures in early swimwear on a beach, with one balancing on a horizontal pole, accompanied by the humorous caption "THE SEA! THE SEA! THE BEAUTIFUL, SEE?". The text for the business details is presented in various typefaces, with the business name "L. LOUPE" prominently displayed. **3.

This trade card for L. Peiser & Co. advertises the business as importers, jobbers, and dealers in a wide range of goods, including Zephyr Worsted, Trimmings, Ribbons, Worsted and Cambrick Embroideries, German and Germantown Woolen and Cotton Yarns, Ladies and Gents Furnishing Goods, Genuine Princess of Wales Kid Gloves, Notions, Jewelry, and Perfumery. The card specifies the business address as No. 38 Spring Street, between First and Court, in Los Angeles, California. The card features an ornate Victorian-style border with decorative elements surrounding the text, and employs various fonts, including bold and stylized lettering, typical of late 19th-century commercial printing.

This trade card for Siegfried & Brandenstein, Tea Importers, features an illustration of a wooden tea crate with "TEA" prominently displayed on one side and "THE PRIDE OF JAPAN" with an image of a tree on another side. The business name "SIEGFRIED & BRANDENSTEIN" is in ornate, Victorian-style lettering at the top, flanked by the names "JOHN C. SIEGFRIED" and "M. J. BRANDENSTEIN." Below the illustration, the word "IMPORTERS" is present, followed by two business addresses: "118 & 120 Market St." and "15 & 17 California St.", with "SAN FRANCISCO, CAL." identified as the location. The card also notes it is "Represented By E. S. La France." The verso of the card contains handwritten notes dated August 19, 1891, detailing a transaction for "Mr. Graus" for items such as "1/2 Ch, 1336 Grit. 15¢" and "Gaurana Salvee, at 25¢ Lb," possibly from E.S. La France, who is noted as a representative on the front. **3.