These letterheads are orders for repairs for Roy Robinson of Great Neck NY: Mollie Barclay of Radford, VA; Frank Sullivan, Philadelphia; and O. I. Wells, Ashaway, RI.
Business letters on letterheads from various companies
across the country were sent to a bicycle company in Plymouth, Indiana in the
late 1890s. The company rapidly evolved
through name changes while dealing with a rise and fall in the demand for bicycles,
worker unrest and a strike, company layoffs, and a national recession. The company was known as Elektron Cycle
Company, Bass and McDonald, Plymouth Cycle Company, and the Smalley Bicycle
Company. It went into receivership with Leander
Southworth leading the company through its bankruptcy and debt settlement. The Company made the Smalley bicycle among
others.
The letterheads that are offered here for sale were discovered decades later in the attic of the former home of Mr. Southworth.
Please look carefully at the pictures for the best
description of condition. Discoloration
from aging, pin holes from straight pins, punched holes, and wear on the edges
are likely and possible. There may be
shadowing from the angle the picture was taken.
Shipping is first class package. Multiple sales can be bundled and shipped
together, just give the seller a heads up to adjust the invoice.
All proceeds from this sale support a county museum. code Fe, D17