CATALOGUE OF THE IMPORTATIONS OF J.R. JAFFRAY & SONS, 350 BROADWAY, NEW YORK.
New York: Baker & Godwin, [1861]. 3.75" x 5.75". 143, [1] pp. Gilt fore-edges. Title and text surrounded by attractive ornamental border. Original leather binding with foldover flap [rubbed at extremities]. Pages 1-64 print an Index followed by the catalogue of products interspersed with blank interleaves. Pages 65-136 contain lined pages for the owner's personal notes and records. The remaining pages contain general information for visitors to New York, such as hackney coach fares, telegraph stations, addresses of important organizations and churches, places of amusement, hotels, etc. The name "R. Stokes" is embossed in gilt on the front flap. No personal entries are found inside. Very Good.
John Richard Jaffray, a successful London merchant of laces and dry goods, opened a New York branch in 1809 with his brother Robert under the name Robert Jaffray & Co. It quickly became a leader in the dry goods business, and obviously catered to well-heeled customers. When Robert died, the name was changed to J.R. Jaffrey & Sons. [King: KING'S HANDBOOK OF NEW YORK. 1893. Page 872; Knox: THE OLD MERCHANTS OF NEW YORK CITY, VOLUME 5. 1885. Page 38.]. Item #29763
Price: $175.00