An ornate original antique document from 1878 for the Business of Retail Liquor Dealer issued by the US Internal Revenue..."Severe Penalties are imposed for neglect or refusal to place and keep this stamp conspicuously in your establishment or place of business"! Please see photos!
This document has beautiful graphics; engraved on the top center is the Greek God, Mercury, with the medical symbol (snake & staff) in hand, leaning on a large woven wicker, glass bottle, sitting next to wooden kegs, a moonshine still, along with a funnel lying on the ground!
The government used this stamp as a tax for selling, dispensing and distilling liquor to raise money to pay for the Civil War.
In fine print on the bottom is: "Bureau, Engraving & Printing", "$25 Dollars Per Year" near the bottom, and "Stamp For Special Tax", near the top. To prevent forgeries the govt watermarked the paper USIR which can be seen when held up to the light...cool!
The document measures 7" by 8", there are hole punches (to void), light smudges and edge wear, otherwise, condition is excellent!
This is a FANTASTIC piece of history and would be great to display in a brewery, wine cellar, pharmacy, bar, distillery, museum or office! I am happy to answer any questions, please feel free to email, thank you!
Pleased to combine shipping with other Prohibition Prescriptions, Liquor Licenses, Opium Forms & Pharmacy Labels. As always, many thanks to my regular customers for your continued patronage! :)
All items ship within 24 hours of payment!
