Bills and receipts for G. F. Melcher, 1867-1868

The collection primarily documents Melcher’s purchases of goods to sell in his store. It includes printed billheads, bills, drafts, and receipts, which indicate a wide trade with firms in most of New England, and in New York. Melcher purchased such items as knives, cuff pins, coral amulets, ring boxes, chains, earrings, pins for fraternal orders, candlesticks, Parian pitchers, rings (some set with stones), jet jewelry, thimbles, coffin plates, ladles, scissors, buttons, watch fobs, tea sets, goblets, vases, and an assortment of similar goods. Some of the invoices give a description of the goods being purchased. However, many of the invoices include catalog numbers or abbreviations, so it can be difficult to learn what has been ordered. A couple of the bills were for services, such as painting and laying carpet.

All bills are addressed to Melcher, unless otherwise noted.