THE EPHEMERA OF BUSINESS

Of all industries, that of manufacturing the pelts of animals into articles for the use of mankind is the most ancient, and hardly a country exists in which, to some extent, the skins of different beasts are not so used at the present time. The manufacturing of skins into articles of apparel and luxury is an industry apart from all others, and one requiring great knowledge and experience, as the stability as well as the appearance of most furs depends much upon the mode of curing, drying, and making up. The Canadian provinces owe their first start on the road to prosperity to the fur trade. The French pioneers discovered that as the Native Indians were ignorant of the value of the furs which they accumulated, an enormous profit was possible to the successful trader in those articles. In the infancy of the industry there was absolutely no limit to the percentage of profit, as the Native Indians would exchange the most valuable of pelts for European trinkets that were worth nothing...

An interesting advertisement or notification on billheads for the UK is that the royal warrant of appointment. Royal Warrants have been issued for centuries to those who supply goods or services to a royal court or certain royal personages. The warrant enables the supplier to advertise the fact that they supply to the royal family, so lending prestige to the supplier. Competition for Royal favor was intense. So the monarch had the pick of the country’s most skilled and talented trades people. The first rewards for this loyal service were Royal Charters granted to the trade guilds, later known as livery companies. By the 15th century Royal tradesmen were recognized with a Royal Warrant of Appointment. In the late 18th century Royal tradesmen began displaying the Royal Arms on their premises and stationery. One of the most common endorsements during that time was for “Her Majesty.” Which while not specific, I can only infer that the firm is referring to Queen Victoria of G...

I am also giddy with glee over an ebay auction I won this afternoon for 8 awesome 1830s and 1840s billheads. I thought for sure I was going to have to spend a bundle but $56 won the lot. I tried sniping manually for the first time and it worked really well. I haven't decided if I want to try a sniper program yet. Anyway, here are two billheads I bought separately on ebay UK. I will show off the others when I receive them.