Call Number:

Ms. Codex 1843

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

1 volume

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Order book, 1848-1850, Ms. Codex 1843, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1848-1850 (inclusive)

Form:

Drawings (visual works), Codices (bound manuscripts), and Manuscripts, American -- 19th century

Abstract:

A volume comprising orders taken by an unknown Philadelphia sign-painting company spanning the years 1848-1850. Small sketches depicting the painted signage are drawn by some of the orders.

Leather bound volume with Order book written in black ink on the front cover. This volume contains orders taken by an unknown Philadelphia sign-painting company. The firm created signs on boards, window shades, and windows. A majority of the requests are for window shades and signage to advertise businesses. The orders span the years from 1848 to 1850. The volume contains orders from a myriad of clientele in and around Philadelphia including academies, bakers, billiard saloons, booksellers, bowling saloons, cloth stores, coal offices, confectioners, daguerreotype galleries, doctors, dressmakers, druggists, hairdressers, insurance agents, jewelers, lawyers, milliners, oyster saloons, pianoforte galleries, post offices, saloons, shoemakers, stationers, tailors, taverns, tobaccos stores, tradesmen, undertakers, upholsterers, veterinarians, and watchmakers. Orders of note include Commissioners Hall at Spring Garden and maps and painting charts of the Polar Seas for Dr. E. K. Kane. The details recorded for orders include name, address, type of sign, dimensions, colors, types of brackets, small sketches, and cost. Some orders have sketches and small drawings depicting images, scroll work, and shape of the signage. Prices for services noted in the volume range from $1.00 to $186.00. A small calendar for the year 1850 is pasted on the inside front cover. The front cover is detached and the back cover is lacking.