Dimensions: Each measures 5x8\"A fantastic, historically rich pair of matching 1916 World War I-era Uniform Express Receipts from the historic Adams Express Company, issued out of New Bedford, Massachusetts. These items offer a wonderful crossover appeal for collectors of New England commerce history, early theater/vaudeville ephemera, and philatelic revenue stamps.
The first receipt, dated June 6, 1916, records a shipment of a clothing package (\"Cloth Pkg\") from the Mechanic Stock Co. of New Bedford, consigned to the legendary Dudgeon & Jordan Co. department store in New London, Connecticut. It features a round, red 1-cent US Internal Revenue stamp with a distinct hand-stamped circular purple office cancellation.
The second receipt, dated June 2, 1916, documents a fascinating entertainment shipment from the Vicros Theatre (an early New Bedford silent film/vaudeville house) to the famous Hayden Costume Co. in Boston, Massachusetts—the premier theatrical costume supplier of the era. This document is signed by shipper Nat. Marchand and features a rectangular 1-cent red US Internal Revenue Documentary stamp, hand-cancelled in ink.
Both pieces perfectly document the commercial landscape of Massachusetts just before the US entered WWI, and before the historic Adams Express Company was consolidated into the American Railway Express Co. in 1918.
Item Specifications:- Company: Adams Express Company (Uniform Express Receipt, Form 21)- Location of Origin: New Bedford, Massachusetts- Dates: June 2, 1916 and June 6, 1916- Destinations: Boston, MA and New London, CT- Notable Businesses Named: Vicros Theatre, Hayden Costume Co., Dudgeon & Jordan Co., Mechanic Stock Co.- Revenue Stamps: Two distinct 1-Cent US Internal Revenue Documentary Stamps (WWI Emergency Tax)- Backs: Full, crisp, unblemished \"Terms and Conditions\" legal text on both receipts
Condition Report:This matching set of two 110-year-old shipping receipts is in very good antique condition. Both documents display bright, highly legible period fountain ink handwriting and crisp printed text. They exhibit normal structural folds from original storage, minor edge toning, and very light handling wear appropriate for authentic early 20th-century paper ephemera. The revenue stamps are securely attached with bold cancellations. The reverse sides containing the terms and conditions are completely clean and intact. Please review all high-resolution photos to fully evaluate the cosmetic condition before buying.
Related Items:
1916 New Bedford MASS Adams Express Co Receipts WWI Revenue Stamps Theater Film
$44.95
Rex 1916 New Orleans Mardi Gras Ball Favor Vase
$300.00
Vintage 1916 New Jersey License Plate Pair NJ Matching Set. Great Low No. #5400
$99.00
