R.W. Mercer Collecting Ephemera Charting History of Collecting c.1883 and One Collector's Interests in Gem Stones

Verlag: R.W. Mercer, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1883

Beschreibung

A small grouping of ephemera providing a window into the collecting habits of B.P. Kelley of Lawrence, Massachusetts, an avid collector of gem stones in the late 19th century. The items range in date from May until September of 1883, and consist of four (4) postal cards, four (4) price lists, and and one (1) postmarked envelope. In all case the sender is R.W. Mercer of Cincinnati, a "curiosity store" and dealer in coins, currencies, books, autographs, stamps, and "Indian Relics of Every Description". The post cards detail what Kelley was buying from Mercer, including quartz and flint stones cut in "Jasper point" style. The price lists detail Mercer's "wants" and items for sale, ranging from stamps, books, and autographs, to coins, "Ancient Indian Relics" (mostly arrowheads and pottery), gems, fossils, bird eggs, whale teeth, and even what he claims is Martha Washington's teacup (priced at $25). Each item is listed with a price where available for sale. Price lists range in size from 3.25" by 3.75", to 9" by 6". Envelope measures approx. 3.5" by 6.25". Postcards each measure approx. 3" by 5" Provides a valuable overview of one collector's niche interest, as well as into the antique trade at the time. Interesting to note that numismatics and "Ancient Indian Relics" are treated as their own collecting areas, but other "curiosities" are simply lumped into one category together (e.g. Martha Washington's Tea Cup in same category as sea shells, gems, coral, fossils and currency). Very good. Toning, letter folds. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 22000387

Bibliografische Details

Titel: R.W. Mercer Collecting Ephemera Charting ...

Verlag: R.W. Mercer, Cincinnati, Ohio

Erscheinungsdatum: 1883