Stevens History

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Page 1.  Retail Price List from 1875-6.
Page 1.  Retail Price List from 1875-6.

This Retail Price List advertises:-

Pure Silk-Woven Book-Markers' in 400 varieties containing Religious Subjects, Hymns, Scriptural Texts, Verses on the Affections, Birthdays, Christmas, New Year &c., from Byron, Burns, Moore, Tennyson, Hood, Eliza Cook, George Eliot, Longfellow, Wordsworth, Cowper, &c., &c.

Also Good Templars, Teetotallers' and Hebrew Markers.

Contractors (by appointment) to H.M. Royal Navy for the supply of Gold Wire Woven Hat Ribbons, Gold and Silver Lace, for Army, Navy, Police, Railway and other Uniforms.

Manufacturer of Silk-Centred Valentines, Christmas Cards, Scent Packets, &c,; also Mechanical Cards and Copyright Fans.

Ancient Order of Foresters' and Odd Fellows' Emblamatical Sashes.

Page 2. Retail Price List from 1875-6.
Page 3. Retail Price List from 1875-6.
Page 4. Retail Price List from 1875-6.
Letter from Thomas Stevens - October 12th. 1877.
Letter from Thomas Stevens - October 12th. 1877.

This letter was written by Thomas Stevens (or his secretary) to the Brighton Aquarium to solicit space for exhibiting one of his looms. Exhibiting in such places was very popular in the 19th. century as a means of advertising. In fact Stevengraphs were first introduced at the York Exhibition which opened on 7th.May 1879 although Stevens Book-Markers were available as early as 1862. Geoffrey Godden writes that 9 designs were registered at the Patent Office by 30th. May 1862.

October 12th. 1877
To Secretary Brighton Aquarium
Sir,
Do your Directors let out spaces in your Aquarium building for exhibition. Perhaps you have seen one of my looms work at the Crystal or Alexandra Palace, making illuminated silk goods of various descriptions, see specimens enclosed which you need not return. Wherever these looms are exhibited, they are a very great attraction. We sell the goods by the side of the loom; should you be open for any- thing of the sort, I should be glad to hear from you.
Yours Truly
ppro T Stevens
T.S.


Advertisement Brochure from New York - (Probably 1870's)
Advertisement Brochure from New York - (Probably 1870's)

This brochure was produced by Henry T. Williams of 46 Beekman Street, New York and was for the sale of Silk Book-Marks or "Textilographs" as they called them. They were sold in 4 catagories for $.50cents, $.75cents or $1.00 each with discounts offered for 1 dozen or more.
The brochure also advertises "Agents Wanted" in all parts of the country.

HT Williams New York - Distributor Pamphlet back page - 1880's
HT Williams New York - Distributor Pamphlet back page - 1880's

Typical Envelope used to wrap Stevengraphs in 1887.
Typical Envelope used to wrap Stevengraphs in 1887.

This envelope was given at the Newcastle Exhibition in England on September 14th. 1887. It was purchased from the Geoffrey Godden Collection in 1999 and was probably circa 1886 onwards. (See plate 4, page 23 of Godden's Book - Note post 1880 trade-mark, Paternoster Row address and twelve prize medals).

Envelope - Columbian Exhibition
Envelope - Columbian Exhibition

Ladye Godiva - Original Plate used to produce SPC26 Postcard
Ladye Godiva - Original Plate used to produce SPC26 Postcard

Post Protector for Stevens's New Silk Edged Perfumed Cards
Post Protector for Stevens's New Silk Edged Perfumed Cards

Henry T Williams Catalog - 1877 - back page
Henry T Williams Catalog - 1877 - back page

Coventry Evening Telegraph Article Nov 29, 1969
Coventry Evening Telegraph Article Nov 29, 1969

Coventry Evening Telegraph Article 1970's
Coventry Evening Telegraph Article 1970's

Possible Relative
Possible Relative

Thomas Stevens Geneology
Stevens House



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