Original 1870s billhead from J.W. Hunnewell & Co., Importers and Dealers in Paints, Oils, Drugs, Dye-Stuffs, &c., 7 and 8 Commercial Wharf, Boston. Partners J.W. Hunnewell and Geo. C. Goodhue are named at left.
Dated Boston, April 14, 187_ (final digit obscured), and made out to Messrs. Silas Peirce & Co., the Boston wholesale grocery firm. The bill is for 1 case of coal oil, 10 gallons at 36ยข, totaling $3.60, less a credit of $2.47, for a balance of $1.13. Receipted "Rec'd Pay't" and signed for J.W. Hunnewell & Co.
The heading carries some nice period advertising:
- "Particular attention given to packing Spirits Turpentine, Coal Oil, &c., in cans for shipping"
- Boxed notice as Agents for Forest River Lead and Mystic Lead Co.
- Window Glass, Varnishes, &c., and Crystal Spring Illuminating Oil
Ornate shaded "Paints, Oils, Drugs, Dye-Stuffs" lettering on ruled ledger paper. The verso is docketed "J.W. Hunnewell & Co., Bill Oil, Apl 14th" in period ink.
A good piece of Boston waterfront commerce from the kerosene-lamp era, when "coal oil" was how most American homes were lit. Fits collections of Boston history, petroleum/kerosene, paint and drug trade, lead industry, and 19th-century billheads.
Condition: Chip and toning/stain at upper right corner affecting part of the date. Original storage folds. A few small spots on the reverse. Ink strong and fully legible. Please see scans, which are part of the description.
