Description

Two-page letter addressed to M. Vincent, Ironmongers, Chard, Somerset, dated 21 August 1857. Decoratively headed paper of De Grave, Short and Fanner, ‘Scale Makers to Her Majesty’s Exchequer, Royal Mind, General Post Office & the Assay Office, Goldsmiths’ Hall’, address given as ’59 St Martin le Grand, corner of St Ann’s Lane, Aldersgate’, London.

An important document of the instrument trade in the middle of the 19th century. The letter begins ‘In answer to your Enquiry we beg to inform you the prices of Standard Weights, Measures, Beams & Scales suitable for an Inspector of Weights’. Overleaf is a full description of the standard set of weights and measures, and a price.

Condition: good, noting some discolouration at the edges and wear along folds. See images for more information.

Details: Postmark: ’17’ in black barred lozenge with small blue ‘London’ on back; received Postmark on Reverse: Double arc ‘Chard’; postage Stamps: QV Penny Red Star

Folded Size:  6.75″ x 3.5″