CORDING, J. C. Nautical and Sporting Waterproofer & Outfitter, 231, Strand.

A most attractively illustrated announcement sheet for ‘The New Dreadnough Coats and Jackets... warranted to resist the effects of any climate.” Printed on pale blue paper and with 8 small illustrations of their products forming a border. These include the polar glove, deck boot, ladies hood, travelling cap. Original fold lines. On the back is an invoice made out to Henry Wilson [of Stowlangtoft Hall, Nr Ixworth, Suffolk], for a Dreadnought Cape, and a pair of Proof Gloves.

250mm x 200mm. 1845. 

 ~ Waterproofing was the raison d’etre of the original Cordings business, and John Charles Cording opened his first shop as an outfitter and waterproofer in 1839 at 231 The Strand. Charles Mackintosh patented his process of dissolving rubber and binding it to cotton in the 1800s. By 1843, he had perfected the vulcanisation process, and John Cording started to manufacture the waterproof coats generically known as 'Mackintosh'.

 Their adverts were particularly aimed at travellers abroad, and appeared in such publications as James Barber’s The Overland Guide-Book, in 1850. The store was also first port of call for the explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley when he wanted to put a properly-shod foot forward on his path to find Dr Livingstone in 1871.