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Original January 20, 1881 Riehlé Brothers business letter written on an exceptional illustrated letterhead for the Philadelphia Scale and Testing Machine Works, established 1846.

The elaborate engraved/printed header is especially desirable, featuring a large panoramic factory scene with railroad tracks, locomotives and industrial buildings marked Riehlé Brothers and Philadelphia Scale Works. Advertising text promotes the firm's railroad track scales, furnace charging scales, rolling mill scales and testing machines. It also advertises awards from the 1876 Centennial Exhibition, Franklin Institute, and 1880 Pennsylvania State Fair.

The handwritten letter appears to be from a traveling representative working in Chicago and Milwaukee. He discusses calling on prospective customers, furnishing an illustrated catalogue, obtaining estimates for scales, a 34-foot scale, steel fulcrums, quotations, and efforts to secure orders. The second sheet includes hand-drawn diagrams and dimensions for brass plates to be placed on scales.

Signed at the conclusion by the representative, whose surname appears to be Pooley; the folded exterior is also docketed “Jno. C. Pooley Jan 20/81.” Addressed to Messrs. Riehlé Bros., Philadelphia, Pa.

A particularly strong piece of 19th-century American industrial ephemera combining an ornate illustrated factory letterhead with substantive original correspondence concerning the scale business, sales, specifications and manufacturing.

Two handwritten sheets, both utilizing Riehlé Brothers illustrated stationery. Original folds, handling wear, edge wear, light toning/soiling, small separations and other age-related wear as shown. Please examine photographs for condition.

Authentic period piece related to family, history or local heritage - well-suited for historical collections, genealogical /genealogy research, or museum acquisition.  Vintage or Antique.

CONDITION:  See listing description and photos.











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LOC2:  PAPERBOX40-MULTI(12)-TMKTK

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