Advertisement for royal caterer '"The Original" Mr. W. G. Sylvester [...] (Established 1878) The acknowledged old-established leading London royal fête, gala, and entertainment caterer (up-to-date)'. With two quotations by Sylvester, one signed.

Author: 
[Mr. W. G. Sylvester, 271 Clapham Road, London, S.W., royal caterer; Sylvester's Royal Bioscope; Royal Crown Cricketers]
"The Original" Mr. W. G. Sylvester
Publication details: 
Quotations dated 23 and 26 May 1911; both on elaborate letterhead. Advertisement from around the same period.
£225.00
SKU: 10775

ADVERTISEMENT: 4to, 4 pp. Bifolium. Printed in blue and red, in a variety of fonts and point sizes. Photograph of Sylvester on front page, which has a red border featuring illustrations of entertainments. Royal warrant at head: 'Under the distinguished patronage of his most gracious majesty the late King Edward the Seventh and Queen Alexandra, Sandringham, 1901 and 1902.' The centre pages begin 'W. G. S. provides Marvellous Acrobats, Wondrous Trapeze Performers, Trick Cyclists, Performing Animals of every description, Royal Punch and Judy with Dog Toby, Marionettes, Musical Clowns, Pierrots, Minstrels, Japanese Jugglers, Comic Conjurers, Knockabouts, etc., etc.' Including 'Animated Pictures (up-to-date) Including all the Latest Novelties as displayed by Sylvester's Royal Bioscope!' and 'Sylvester's only and original team of Royal Clown Cricketers (eleven in number). The only team who have appeared and played a match in Sandringham Park, by the Gracious Permission and Patronage of His Late Majesty King Edward VII., and Queen Alexandra, on 24th July, 1901, against the Sandringham Cricket Club, with great success.' The last page carries thirteen 'Copies of a few latest unsolicited testimonials', beginning with one from Captain Nicholas, Buckingham Palace. Warnings to 'Beware of Self-styled "Royal" Crown Cricketers', 'Beware of Base Imitators Who copy my mode of business, printed circulars, etc.' LETTERS: Both landscape 8vo, 1 p. Each on back of elaborate advertising slip in red and blue ink. Addressed to G. J. Profit, Warren House, Minley, Farnborough, Hants. Each has been trimmed, with loss of text. The first carries Sylvester's bold, attractive signature, and the following postscript: 'Sorry I cannot assist you with Steam Roundabouts. etc. You might write to Mr. John Searle 22 Livingstone Road Thornton Heath Surrey & mention my name, he might be at liberty, but afraid they are all booked coronation week.' The second is unsigned, and lists four 'Artists at liberty 22 June 1911 | All give two separate performances.' Fees are given for all four: 'Brothers Overton. Comic & acrobatic trick Cyclists', 'The Three Rolands. Comedy Acrobats & Hand Balancers', 'The Sisters Sligo. Refined Irish Speciality Musical Entertainment' and 'Madllo Simosa San. <...> Jap. Juggler'.