Subject: Chicago

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 Barbe, Schoenbrun & Morgenthau, successors to Rindskopf & Barbe & Co., manufacturers and wholesale dealers in Men's, Youths' & Boys' Clothing, is dated November 3, 1880, and addresses a transaction with C. Rohrbaugh of Kinmundy, IL. The invoice lists various clothing items such as coats, shirts, and other goods, totaling 127.25, plus 0.50 for cartage. The document details terms of sale including "Cash unless settled by Note" and that claims must be reported within ten days. Visually, the billhead features a prominent engraved illustration of a multi-story building, presumably the company's premises, with "Rindskopf & Barbe & Co." visible on the signage. The company name and other details are presented in ornate Victorian-style script typography.

This billhead, dated February 16, 1877, records a transaction between Cahn, Wampold & Co.'s Clothing Department and M. Rohrbaugh & Moore of Kinmundy, IL. Cahn, Wampold & Co. is identified as Manufacturers and Jobbers of Clothing & Woolens, located at 56, 58, 60 & 62 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL. The document itemizes various clothing articles such as suits, vests, and pants, listing quantities and individual prices, culminating in a total amount for the goods purchased. The billhead features elegant script for the business name and transaction details, with a prominent "Clothing Department" header and disclaimers about returns and claims. The overall design reflects the sophisticated commercial stationery of the late 19th century. The item notes that the business was recovering from the Great Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871. **3.

This billhead records a transaction where Cahn, Wampold & Co., operating as a "Clothing Department" and "Jobbers of Goods for Men's Wear and Manufacturers of Clothing," sold "1 Suit to order" for $22.00 to Miss Rohrbough & Moore of Kinmundy, IL, on September 21, 1870. The item features prominent ornate Victorian-style lettering for the business name and header, with a clear address and terms of sale ("TERMS CASH Unless settled by Note").

A billhead from F. Siegel & Bros., manufacturers of cloaks, suits, and under garments, located at 185, 187, & 189 Madison St., Corner Fifth Ave., Chicago. Dated November 3, 1880, the document records a transaction with C. Rohrbaugh of Kinmundy, IL, listing quantities and prices for dolmans and cloaks. The total amount for the transaction is 66. A handwritten note on the billhead indicates that "in cloak box 18 stands for 18 years we have not the same goods in 3436; let us know if we shall send 9 box 18 yrs. 1 Dolman x 38 & 4 to follow." The billhead features ornate Victorian-style lettering for the business name and a lithographic illustration of a factory building.

This billhead, dated June 20, 1883, documents a transaction between Hamburger Brothers, Distillers and Importers of Fine Whiskies in Chicago, Illinois, and S. R. Ruford & Co. of Virginia City. The item is for the purchase of fine whiskies, including "The King Sour Mash Whiskey," with various amounts totaling figures like 188.37 and 584.45 listed. The billhead features an elaborate engraving as a company logo, which includes decorative banners identifying the business as "DISTILLERS" and "IMPORTERS," and an emblem proudly proclaiming "THE KING SOUR MASH WHISKEY," along with the establishment dates "ESTABLISHED 1868" and "HAND MADE 1869." The typography includes ornate Victorian-style script for the date, location, and other key details.

A billhead from Vogler & Geudtner, manufacturers of Trunks and Traveling Bags, located at 109 & 111 Wabash Avenue, Chicago. Dated September 22, 1877, the invoice lists several items, including "Parksquare" and "Park" trunks, with quantities and prices. The total amount due is handwritten as $59.58. The document specifies "TERMS: Cash" and includes a note that "No Claims allowed for deduction or damage unless reported within five days after receipt of goods" and "GOODS SHIPPED AT OWNER'S RISK ONLY." The billhead features a prominent lithographic illustration of an ornate trunk on the left side, and the business name and product description are displayed in decorative, Victorian-style fonts. **3.

This billhead from Wolff Brothers & Co. details an invoice for various hats, caps, and straw goods purchased by Durarak & Beckman. The items listed include specific styles such as "Brawers Albia," "Georgia College," "Bluebird Scotch," "Blue Moscos," "Coyp Roller," "Parisian," "Albion," "Valurbans," "Garfield," "Blue Ruskie," "Blue Franklin," "Pearl Empire," and "Low brown Nelson," with quantities and prices for each. The total amount is 179.50. The bill notes shipment via "Mo Valley" and that the balance will follow. The billhead features a decorative masthead with an ornate company logo depicting a shield crest flanked by hats, and the business name "Wolff Brothers & Co." in a stylized script. Below this, the types of goods sold—"HATS, CAPS, STRAW GOODS, GLOVES AND UMBRELLAS"—are presented with elaborate Victorian-style borders and varied typography. 3.

This broadside advertises "SEVEN BIG BARGAINS IN CHILDREN'S CLOAKS" from Perfection Cloak Co., located at 278-286 East Madison Street, Chicago, Ill. The item features seven distinct lithographic illustrations of young girls wearing different styles of cloaks, each accompanied by a brief description of the garment and its price (e.g., "Double Breasted Ulster, with adjust. back and vest. A splendid child cloak. Sizes 4 to 12. Price $1.90 each"). The advertisement emphasizes "OUR CHILDREN'S GARMENTS ARE ALL FULL LENGTHS" and includes decorative elements such as stylized lettering for "SEVEN BIG BARGAINS," ornate borders, and text encouraging comparison of "QUALITY, STYLE, PRICE" and noting "Prompt Shipments."

A sterling silver teaspoon manufactured by S. Hyman & CO in Chicago. The handle of the spoon features hand-engraved floral decoration. The item is described as "Hand Engraved" and "Sterling".

A handwritten testimony, primarily in Yiddish, detailing the account of R. Eizik, son of R. Shimon Zimansky, regarding his observation of Mr. Abraham smoking in public on Shabbat in Chicago, Illinois. The document labels Mr. Abraham as a 'Mechalel Shabbos' (Sabbath desecrator). It is signed by Rabbi Avraham Yaakov Gershon Leeser and other members of the Beth Din. The document is on a plain piece of paper with handwritten script and some staining. 3.

This colorful trade card advertises Greensfelder, Florsheim & Co.'s "Celebrated School Shoes," declaring them "ARE THE BEST" and stating that "Every pair warranted." The front features a vibrant color lithograph illustration of a crying child, wearing the advertised shoes and holding a book and a red umbrella, being playfully harassed by a flock of geese in a rural landscape. The verso of the card features text: "GREENSFELDER, FLORSHEIM & CO. CELEBRATED SCHOOL SHOES FOR SALE BY" and "SEE THAT EVERY PAIR HAS OUR LABEL." The visual style, with its narrative imagery and decorative typography, is characteristic of late 19th-century advertising.

This trade card for Maas, Baer & Co., One-Price Clothiers & Tailors in Chicago, Illinois, advertises their services as gents furnishers and dealers in hats, caps, trunks, and other goods. The verso of the card details their three store locations: S. E. Corner North Avenue & Larrabee Street; North Clark Street Corner Chicago Avenue; and Milwaukee Avenue Corner Centre Avenue, along with telephone numbers. The recto features a chromolithographic image of a young boy dressed in historical attire (reminiscent of a musketeer), running through foliage and holding a sealed letter. Two white doves fly above him, creating a whimsical and decorative visual. The card utilizes varying font styles, including prominent block capitals and ornate, shadowed lettering for the business name and services.

This is a trade card for The American Varnish Co., located in Chicago, IL. The front of the card features an elaborate design centered around an American eagle holding a shield with stars and stripes, clutching arrows and an olive branch, with banners displaying the company name, "The American Varnish Co." Above the eagle, the names and titles of Adolph Cohn (Pres't) and Albert Rabe Jr. (Sec'y & Treas.) are printed in ornate Victorian-style lettering. The company's main office and works address is provided as 309, 311, 313 & 315 North Branch St., Chicago. Additionally, the name "Jos. J. Schnadig" and an address "79 Dearborn St." are handwritten in purple ink. The reverse side of the card (second image) features a detailed lithographic illustration of the American Varnish Co. factory complex, depicting multiple buildings with smoking smokestacks, industrial activity including a train and horse-drawn wagons, and a busy waterfront scene with ships. This illustration is framed by decorative, ornate borders typical of the period.