Exceptional, authentic 1894 commercial billhead/invoice issued by Hansen's Empire Fur Factory of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This incredible piece of late-19th-century commercial ephemera offers a fascinating look into the historic American fur trade and Victorian-era winter fashion.
Top left of is engraved vignette of a treed animal (a Pine Marten?).
What makes this specific invoice a true museum-quality piece is the handwritten ledger entries. It details a massive $147.44 transaction—which equates to over $6,200+ in modern purchasing power—proving this was a major commercial wholesale order or a fleet purchase of premium winter gear.
Fascinating Historic Line Items Include:
• Raccoon Coat and Raccoon Pelts.• "Russ Buffalo" (Russian Buffalo): A famous 19th-century trade name for heavy, windproof winter greatcoats made from hardy imported Asian water buffalo or ox hides, used to meet demand after the near-extinction of the American bison.• Grey Goat: A durable, long-haired fur prized for teamster coats and carriage blankets.• Black and Dyed Siberian Dog Fur: A rugged, highly weather-resistant fur widely used and legally traded in the 1890s for heavy-duty winter work coats, collars, and trimmings.
This antique document is in good, stable condition for being over 130 years old. It exhibits standard light toning, expected handling wear, and the original crisp folds from being mailed in the 1890s. The text and ink are clear, legible, and dark. The top-left engraving remains sharp and unblemished. There are no major rips or distracting stains. A phenomenal candidate for framing, or an excellent addition to any collection focused on Wisconsin history, antique advertising, or unique wildlife/trapping ephemera.
Included with purchase is an 1892 billhead from the H. Broughton & Co. of Troy, New York. For 97 dollars (roughly 3,500 in today's currency) worth of fur goods (Seal dyed coat, Black Buffalo (American Bison; expensive coloring), Roman Lamb, and Racoon.
383 Our 27th year on
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