BOOTLE

An evocative artefact of one of the most successful British charities of the Great War. The Silver Thimble Fund was founded by Hope Elizabeth Hope Clarke of Wimbledon in 1915, and run from her house. Damaged trinkets made of precious metals, including 60,000 silver thimbles, were collected and melted down, paying for fifteen ambulances for the front and other medical transportation and equipment. The recipient is Mrs. Evelyn Julia Allan, listed in 1918 in the London Gazette as Honorary Secretary, Chelsea Division, British Red Cross.

Printed in black and blue on both sides of a 28 x 43 cm piece of paper. Discoloured and aged, with small strip cut at head of leaf. Carrying 18 engravings of the firm's designs for lurries, carts and vans, usually giving dimensions, weight and load. Among the designs are a 'Bottler's Lurry', 'Mineral Water Van', 'Mineral Water Lurry', 'Farmer's Lurry', 'Brewer's Float', 'Furniture Van', 'London Mail Van', 'Bread Van', 'Parcel or Bread Van', 'Farmer's Cart', 'Miller's Cart' and 'Contractor's Cart'.

One page, 8vo. Giving licence to his tenant Richard Finlow of Liverpool to transfer the freehold of a property in Bootle to John Plumbe of Bootle, painter. The property is "on the marsh at Bootle [...] adjoining the new Road leading from Sand Hills to Bootle afsd. called Derby Road". Signed "Derby". Slight discolouration and with holes from pinning, but in good condition overall.