Union White Lead Manufacturing Co. Handwritten Letter and Rules Governing Sale of White Lead
From before lead paint was found to be poisonous: this item is a handwritten letter on company letterhead from B.W. How of the Union White Lead Manufacturing Co. to prospective clients, stating that he "shall be much pleased to receive your orders at any time for Pure Lead, Red Lead, Linseed oil or anything in our oil line". Measures 9" by 5.75", verso blank save a pencil annotation. Accompanied by a printed leaflet titled "Revised and Corrected Rules of the Eastern Association of White Lead Corroders, to govern dealers in the sale of white lead", with brief ink correction at foot ("allowance is made for decline in price"). Measures 8.5" by 5.5", printed in red ink, verso blank. Lead-based paint was widely used due to its durability and availability, but was banned in the United States in 1978 due to its toxicity. Very good. Short tear to right-hand margin of letter. Minor toning. Letter folds.- $125
- $125
You and Your Company
A wartime training booklet for employees of the Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc., steeped in patriotism and zeal for the war effort: "You are now a member of the great family of Douglas workers. Douglas is a great name in aviation . Wherever you find American fighting forces today, you'll find Douglas airplanes filling the main assignments in the United Nations' aerial transport tasks, carrying men, munitions and materials in unbelievable quantities to every part of the globe, as well as removing the wounded to health restoring hospitals. You'll also find Douglas bombers diving, firing, taking a terrific toll of enemy planes, manpower, ships and supplies" (p. [7]). Detailed instructions for working at the company are provided, including safety regulations, alongside charming cartoon characters happily going about their work. The Douglas Aircraft Company was founded in 1921, and merged with its rival Boeing in 1997. 8vo (7.75" by 5.5"), pp. 62, with in-text illustrations, stapled in original wrappers. Very good. Minor toning, some creasing to a few leaves. Wrappers rubbed at extremities. Final leaf sometime excised.- $275
- $275
Advertising Card for “The Crime of the Ages”, a lecture by Evangelist J.C. Stevens
Advertising card for a free lecture by evangelist J.C. Stevens given in Brooklyn on August 5th, 1917, "At the Tent". J.C. Stevens evangelized in the late 1910s, offering free public lectures with titles such as "Is the Great War the Last the World Will Ever See?" (Brooklyn Eagle, 10 Aug 1918) and "What is the Mark of the Beast and His Number 666?" (3 March, 1917). Brooklyn seems to be his most frequent venue, though we have identified at least one of his lectures as taking place in Michigan. Printed card (2.75" by 5") with illustration of tent and large crowd on recto, list of upcoming lectures on verso.- $150
- $150
![Lake Pleasant Magazine [for the summer of] 1914](https://rarebookinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/31442951447.jpg)
Lake Pleasant Magazine [for the summer of] 1914
Photo-illustrated magazine and program for Lake Pleasant, a Spiritualist community founded west of Boston in 1870. At its height, approximately 3,000 spiritualists would gather for a summer series of lectures, seances, concerts and club meetings, including a large swath of programming specifically aimed at women spiritualists. The magazine contains: advertisements for local businesses, travel and accommodation; photographs of Lake Pleasant and activities; lists of clubs and sub-societies, such as the Ladies' Improvement Society (p. 14); committees; "Occult Plays" and other entertainment (p. 18); a list of mediums resident on grounds (p. 22); lectures by women spiritualists on astrology and the occult, and appearances by famed mediums; lectures on the topics of capital punishment and gender (see "Catching and Training a Wife", p. 39); moving pictures; and the community's six-part Creed, which focuses on the community's spiritual beliefs and morals. Includes several concerts, such as one featuring a soloist from John Phillip Sousa's band. Mary S. Vanderbilt and Mrs. Maude L. Bishop also hold prominent appearances. 8vo (7.75" by 5.5"), pp. 60, with photographic illustrations, bound with cream-colored cord in original green printed wrappers. Fine. Light toning, wrappers rubbed.- $250
- $250
Family Doctor
A booklet for families advertising homeopathic tablets sold by the Luyties Pharmacal Company as treatments or remedies for over forty (40) afflictions ranging from appendicitis to whooping cough. Descriptions of each affliction's symptoms and dangers are included along with which tablet to use with dosage recommendations. Pricing in rear, along with a list of each tablet's ingredients and uses. 12mo (6.75" by 4.5"), pp. 72, stapled in original orange printed textured wrappers.- $100
- $100
Promotional Conundrum – The 7 and 8 Puzzle
A delightful puzzle and premium, printed on card and used to advertise C.E. Underwood's Bakery and Confectionary. The directions are as follows: "Place a penny (or any other small article) on any star, move it along a straight line to an opposite star and leave it; then place another penny on another star and move as before. Repeat until seven stars are covered. Advertisements for other local businesses included on verso. Measures 6.25" by 3.5" Very good. Minor toning, edge wear, minor toning.- $110
- $110
Milton Bradley Colors for Seashore’s Elementary Experiments in Psychology
Housed in the original printed envelope, this item is comprised of thirty-nine (39) individual slips of colored paper produced to be used in conjunction with Carl E. and Robert Holmes Seashore's "Elementary Experiments in Psychology" (Henry Holt, 1908). The book contains sixteen experiments to accompany an introductory course in psychology. Several investigate vision and visual processes (hence the need for the colored slips here). Original printed envelope measures 3" by 4.75"; colored slips range in size from approx. 1" by 1" to 2.5" by 2.5" Good. Toned. Chipping and short tears to envelope, including one larger closed tear spanning approx. 4 inches. Minor damage or creasing to a couple of the colored slips- $150
- $150
Everybody’s Problem” – Booklet on Venereal Disease and Public Health
Herman N. Bundesen, M.D. Published by the Chicago Department of Health, "Everybody's Problem" aims to educate the general public about the importance of avoiding venereal disease and epidemics. Public health and a duty to one's community is emphasized. Profusely illustrated, the booklet includes images of cherubic children, families, and domestic tranquility. Syphilis is noted to be the "Greatest Killing Disease". Parents are urged to educate their sons and safeguard their daughters (p. 12) against pre marital sex, lest they fall victim to venereal disease or moral depravity. Victims are depicted as being a burden on the state and the tax system (p. 23) as well as the "enemies" of efficiency and industry (p. 25). The booklet concludes by suggesting young people channel their energies into sports and recreation. 8vo (8.75" by 6"), pp. 32, with in-text illustrations, stapled in original illustrated self wrappers. Near fine. Minor rust staining from staples, some water stains, one loose gathering.- $125
- $125
The Perspectoscope: “You Make the Pictures, We Make You See ‘Em”
Illustrated tri-fold pamphlet advertising the Perspectoscope, a kind of stereoscope that purports to "Double the value of the Camera" and "make its pictures look like the real object" (i.e. three-dimensional). Includes a photo of a child looking through the scope exclaiming, "Oh, Grandpa! It's just Beautiful". Inside, diagrams of the scope's construction are included alongside a lengthy discussion of the product's strengths over its competitors. Perspectoscope is the trade-name of an instrument which enhances the perspective suggestion of a photograph, outline-drawing, etc., and thus simulates a stereoscopic effect. Very good. Toned, with some sunning. Letter folds.- $150
- $150
Commonwealth Mineral Spring Water Is The Best “And Don’t You Forget It” Hidden Message
Advertising card for Commonwealth Mineral Spring Water, with a humorous image of two men on the recto alongside bold claims for the water's efficacy as a cure-all: "It is a sure cure for Dyspepsia, Liver and Kidney Complaints, and other Chronic Diseases". On the verso is a curious message hidden in code. Measures 5.5" by 2.5" Very good. Minor toning, one or two spots.- $115
- $115
The Stoddard Churn — Printed Advertisement
"Buy the Best": a printed advertisement for the Stoddard Churn, including directions for making both regular and "granulated" butter. Illustrated with pricing, sizing, and model numbers. Measures 8.5" by 10.5" I must say granulated butter may not be for everyone.
Regency Hand-colored Valentine with Original Handwritten Verse
Regency-era Valentine with hand-colored etching of a lovely young lady holding a bouquet of flowers, above what appears to be an original handwritten sonnet: "Ne vous Affligez point sure votre infirmité / Ô beauté singulière! admirable Entrangère." ("Do not grieve over your infirmity / O singular beauty! admirable Stranger."). We have been unable to identify the poet or pseudonym "Etienne Cassagnon". Bifolium (9.5" by 7.25") with hand-colored etching, decorative border. Small number "6" has been printed next to image. Very good. Minor toning, dust soiling, one or two spots. Evidence of previous adhesive/minor short tears to lower leaf verso.
The Juvenile Repository Vol. I, No. 9
A lovely, well-preserved copy of Juvenile Repository, a serial publication for children published in 1833. Includes sections teaching children how cotton and silk are produced and "How Flies Crawl with their Feet Over Their Heads". Also includes a story titled "The Studious Children", verse titled "The Holiday", a warning against the evils of drinking, and a description of trees that grow in the West Indies. 12mo (6" by 3.25"), pp. [193]-216, with in-text wood engraved illustration, sewn in original printed wrappers. Very good to near-fine. Minor foxing, dust soiling, edge wear, foot of spine chipped. One or two small stains within.
Tyrian Topics
Illustrated trade catalogue advertising rubber products produced by the Tyer Rubber Company. Each product is illustrated with a short description, and includes a directive to visit your local druggist to purchase. The versatility of rubber as a material is highlighted through the wide array of products present here, including everything from syringes, hot water bottles, atomizers and "face bags" (for neuralgia) to cushions, crutch tips, plant sprinklers, and rubber sheeting. 16mo (5.75" by 3.5"), pp. 16 with in-text illustrations, stapled in original blue wrappers with illustration of a rubber plant. Very good. Minor toning, small stain to lower left-hand corner of upper wrapper.
Little Audrey Wanted to Be a War Nurse
Featuring a charming illustration of a little girl in a nursing uniform, "Little Audrey Wanted to Be a War Nurse" educates the general public about safe drinking water via a narrative about a precocious young girl. In the story, Audrey teaches her elders about the subject and the importance of civilian health. Additional facts are provided on the verso - "How Safe is Your Drinking Water?". Tri-fold pamphlet measuring 9" by 4" closed, with illustrations. Printed in green on light green paper. Near-fine. Minor browning/sunning.
Lithographed Valentine of Handsome Couple with Hand Coloring
Lithographed Valentine with hand coloring, depicting a handsome couple against a rural countryside town backdrop, and with verse below: "Licensed by Valentines Saint, / Our sex on this day may reveal / The hopes, and the fears, and the plaints, / That on others they're forced to conceal. / That I love you I freely confess, / That my heart I have given to thee, / That my hand shall accompany the rest / When you ask the said offering of me." Bifolium (9" by 7.5"), lithographed image and verse, with hand coloring. Note Cupid is at the ready seated on the fence moving the relationship along. Very good to near-fine. Light toning, faint sunning where previously framed. Minor finger soiling to lower leaf.
Uncut Advertising Premium Paper Doll — Brook’s Spool Cotton
An uncut paper doll, produced as an advertising premium for Brook's Spool Cotton. When assembled, the paper doll stands on its own. It is a young blonde man with three hats/wigs and four different outfits, all fancy 17th century dress. Measures 7.5" by 6.5", instructions printed on verso. Very good. A little rubbed/dust soiled. Minor toning.
Secrets of Fascinating Womanhood
Illustrated booklet advertising an eight-book course of study, "Fascinating Womanhood", in which the female reader "will learn how to make yourself desirable, how to attain those things in life which are your birth-right" (p. 5). In fact, "A man is clay in a woman's hands if she handles him cleverly" (p. 5), and through the course "you will learn how to hold the attention of every man you meet--how to arouse his interest in you" (p. 10). Choc-full of gendered language, this fascinating booklet includes a taste of what the customer will find in the course, including: a list of "Don'ts for Girls"; an article by Corinne Blakeley on how to lure a man into an engagement; an outline of subjects covered in the course; two pages of testimonials; and a full-page illustration of the course books together. This booklet not located in OCLC (September 2022). Small 8vo (8.25" by 5.25"), pp. 32, stapled, original photo-illustrated self-wrappers. With accompanying printed order blank (4" by 5.5") and addressed envelope (3" by 5.5"), both unused. Very good. Spotting throughout, minor toning, minor open tear to upper wrapper (approx. 1 cm. squared loss). Printed order blank and envelope toned, envelope sometime sealed.
Letter with Designs for Two Women’s Waists
A letter written to "Dearest" from "Your devoted friend", giving the heartbreaking news of the death of an acquaintance, Mrs. Gurley of Hendersonville (tragically, her husband Professor E.W. Gurley would die later that year in November, leaving their daughter Fayetta Gurley orphaned). The author also relates news about friends and family, and that she has "been sewing on two white waists-- the hardest part is done-- would like to finish them tomorrow, but guess I will not as it is my day to cook" (p. 5). At the end of the letter, the author includes pencil sketches of the two waists with the caption, "Am making two waists like these-- very much like yours." Six leaves of lined notebook paper measuring 8.75" by 6". Shorthand notes on the verso of the final leaf. Accompanied by a modern transcription of the letter. Good to very good. Toned, minor short tears, water stains. Letter folds.
German Embroidery Pattern Book
A German pattern book with ten (10) cross stitch patterns, including alphabets and decorative borders for samplers or household items such as handkerchiefs or napkins. Housed in the original illustrated wrapper, which includes the German title ("Neuestes Stick-Album") and also translates the English title ("Embroidery-Pattern Book") into French and Spanish. Lower wrapper includes a charming illustration of a little gnome attempting to cross-stitch using the pattern book. Five-panel folding leaf printed in red and blue, housed in original illustrated green wrappers. Measures 3.75" by 5.5" closed. Good to very good. Short tears to wrappers, folding leaf. Toned, minor dust soiling and general wear.
Exercises for People Who Sit at Work
Combat sluggish digestion, bad circulation, flabby muscles, nervousness and the "Blues" with this pocket-sized guide of exercises tailored for working women by the YWCA! It will provide the "Three Things Wanted by All Girls": Youthfulness, Health and Efficiency. The guide provides the user with ten (10) diagrams showing different exercises including: "Signaling"; "Steamboat"; "Chopping Wood"; "Climbing Ladder"; and "Jumping Jack". There are even exercises mimicking bowling and playing baseball ("Bowling" and "Batting Baseball"). Ten-panel folding pamphlet measuring approx. 5.5" by 3.25" folded, 5" by 32" unfolded. Printed on olive green card stock. Illustrated.
Hand-colored Valentine with Original Postmarked Envelope for Miss Lydia. M. Wales
A particularly beautiful hand-colored Valentine with the original postmarked envelope addressed to Miss Lydia M. Wales of Upton, Massachusetts. The image depicts a beautiful young lady reading a letter in a rose garden, surrounded by verse that begins, "One look of love from those bright eyes / To cheer this anxious breast- / One smile from thee I'd fondly prize, / And be for ever blest." Bifolium (9.75" by 7.75") with hand colored lithograph to first leaf recto, gold lithographed border. With original postmarked chromolithographed envelope measuring 5.25" by 8.5" with red wax seal still partially intact. Note the similar decorative devices on the valentine and cover. Lydia M. Wales was wed to Charles F. Blood in Milford, Worcester, Massachusetts on April 17, 1842. Very good. Minor toning, letter creases. One or two small tears, one open in left-hand margin (approx. 1 cm square loss). Hand coloring remains bright. Minor soiling, wear, toning to envelope.
Multiple View Card Souvenir of Pittsfield, Massachusetts — Flip book on a Paper Slide
A charming souvenir "Multiple View Card" comprised of a flip book on a paper slide, with photos of fourteen (14) prominent places in Pittsfield, Massachusetts including local schools, hotels, Longfellow's house, and "Cross Rock", a local curiosity. Measures approx. 3.75" by 5.5". Verso has been addressed and postmarked. When the tab at base is pulled different views of the town flip at the top of the window. Very good. Sewing/mechanism still functioning and tight. Minor wear to extremities, sunning to verso, a little dust soiling.
A Short Glossary of Theosophical Terms
A glossary of Theosophical terms compiled by the prominent British theosophists and human rights advocates Annie Besant (1847-1933) and Herbet Burrows (1845-1922), with a brief introduction: "The words which are explained in the following short Glossary are some of those which have been found to be most commonly used at Theosophical meetings and discussions" (p. [3]). Includes a short description of the Religion's principles for beginners: "The whole Universe is in a continual state of progression: the spiritual, having descended into matter, is ever and always working its way upwards ." (p. [3]). A window into Besant's efforts to make the religion widespread and easily accessible to the general public. 12mo (7.75" by 5.25"), pp. 12, stapled in original self wrappers. Any of a number of philosophies maintaining that a knowledge of God may be achieved through spiritual ecstasy, direct intuition, or special individual relations, especially the movement founded in 1875 as the Theosophical Society by Helena Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott (1832-1907). Very good. Toned with some edge wear, minor water staining.