BUSINESS

Head of celebrated firm of locksmiths (1848-1946) and philanthropist. Two pages, 12mo. Folded twice. Grubby but in good condition. An amusing letter of congratulation on Bowen's appointment as Chief Cashier of the Bank of England. 'I presume that the announcement in the Times means you have now a more important appointment and I heartily congratulate you. I suppose we shall often see your autograph now on those interesting thin bits of paper: if you've a large stock of them to be disposed of at a good reduction I'm a customer.' Signed 'George Hayter Chubb'.

The firm, apparently antique dealers (although it also bought and sold false teeth), was established in 1833. All items are addressed to Slocombe, with whom the family (to whom he was perhaps related by marriage?) were clearly on intimate terms. Grubby, dusty, creased, dogeared and with several closed tears. The first six letters are from J. B. Fraser, the first four being on the letterhead of 'R. D. & J. B. FRASER, LIMITED.' ('ESTABLISHED IN THE REIGN OF WILLIAM IV.') Letter 1 (Ipswich, 4 Jan 1899, 4 pages, 8vo), from J. B. Fraser, concerns 'Edith', who is recovering from illness.

4 pages, 8vo. Pagination: [1] 2-3 [4]. A frail survival: paper grubby, discoloured and dogeared, with a few closed tears and some fraying to extremities, but the text clear and legible. A space at the beginning of the document for the insertion of the petitioner's name in manuscript has been left blank. Begins: 'The Petition of and all other Owners of Land subject to Mortgages, and other pecuniary payments charged on it before its depreciation in consequence of the return to the present Gold Currency, by which the value of every denomination of Money is so much increased'.

8vo. 42 pages, in original grey printed wraps. Grubby, and with staining to front wrap and first leaf. On verso of front wrap: '(With the Author's Compliments).

Naval officer and Conservative politician (1846-1919), nicknamed 'the member for the navy'. Dimensions roughly 5 1/2 inches by 9 inches. In poor condition: browning and with several closed tears. Reads: 'From the older Charlie to the younger Charlie may all good luck attend you fighting for tariff reform national defence and relief of the unemployed Beresford'.

Merchant banker (1828-1897). 1 page, 16mo. Grubby but in good condition overall. 'Dear Sir. | I enclose £10 for the boy Evans - The Calls of all sorts on me increase daily & it is quite out of the question to comply with half of them | Yours truly | Revelstoke'. Docketed in pencil at head.

Diplomat (1844-1915), Secretary of the British Legation at Athens, and scion of the noted banking house. 2 pages, 8vo. In good condition. Presumably written on Scott's appointment as chaplain to the Legation. As Mr Stuart was absent from Athens, Scott's letter of 28 September was opened by Baring. 'It was the first intimation received here of your appointment, though I had heard from Mr Stuart that there was a possibility of your coming out, & the letter which I forward strengthened this opinion.

The elder brother of Charles and Sir Francis Baring, John Baring was a leading Exeter citizen and an MP from 1776. While in reality a sleeping partner, he was also the nominal head of John and Francis Baring & Co. of London, and John and Charles Baring & Co. of Exeter. 1 page, 8vo. In good condition. Apparently to his solicitors, concerning the drafting of his will. 'As my wish is to keep my home &c at perfectly distinct from my other property - be pleased on failure of Mr Shorts Children to let it go to my generally'.

Merchant and merchant banker (1740-1810). 3 pages, 16mo. In very good condition. He is unwilling to produce his title to the property, the request, in connection with the purchase of a neighbouring property from an individual named Bonar, having 'something else in view'. He encloses [not present] 'a plan of the premises, in all about 2 1/2 acres by which you may perceive it would be convenient for the purchaser of Bonars, to pick a hole in my title'. He gives a brief description of 'three seperate [sic], but contiguous tenements, all fronting the road'.

Politician (1796-1866) and scion of the notable banking house. 2 pages. 16mo. With a mourning border. In good condition. 'As brother Tom [Thomas Baring (1799-1873), banker and politician] is to second the address there are certain of his relations who are very desirous of hearing him but do not like to apply thro' him lest it should <?> the <?> orators modesty' He asks whether his order can be used on behalf of the Rev C. Baring & the Rev. H. G. Venn.

1 page. 4to. In good condition. Concerning three accounts forwarded to the Board of the Treasury from the Accountant General of the Navy ('Two for Subsistence of Seamen belonging to Revenue Cruizers in the Naval Hospitals in Christmas Quarter last, and the other for their maintainence in Sick Quarters'), the Treasury Commissioners 'have authorized the Board of Customs to ay the Sum of £405. 10. 5. in discharge thereof to your account at the Bank of England, or at the Pay Office Whitehall, and I am to desire you will carry the amount to the Credit of Navy Services'. Signed 'F T Baring'.

Politican (1799-1864). 2 pages, 16mo, on grey paper. In good condition. 'The enclosed has travelled after me. Wd. it not be better that you should open all letters addressed to me as Paymaster General. I have no objection. I do not envy my London life here among the moors. The weather is beautiful.' Signed 'W B Baring'.

John and Charles Baring were the brothers of Sir Francis Baring (1740-1810), Charles being the head of the Exeter branch of the banking house and John, an Exeter merchant, the nominal head of both arms. 1 page, 8vo. Grubby but in good condition. Mounted on larger piece of paper. An interesting insight into eighteenth-century trade practice. 'Inclosed you have Invoice double sets of patterns & double bills of loading of eight bales No. 55 - 62 value £583 .. 4 ..

Long and unusually entertaining account 'Re Varnish', addressed to an American correspondent. A fascinating insight into the nature of Victorian entrepreneurship. 'It has long been an idea of mine that of all the Trades the most profitable one is Varnish [...] the Germans, clever as they are, can't make Varnish at all [...] nor for that matter can the Americans'.