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Original 1867 Reconstruction Era Philadelphia Ephemera – Large Illustrated Gothic-Style City Water Rent Billhead Receipt
Up for sale is a 100% authentic, visually striking piece of municipal and architectural history from Philadelphia. Dated April 24, 1867, this large pre-printed municipal invoice features beautiful, bold 19th-century Gothic/Blackletter typography from the city's utility infrastructure department. This item traces directly back to the prominent local Kenszey/Kensey family archive.
Document Details & Transcription:
- Date: April 24th, 1867
- Document Number: No. 7188
- Debtor: Mr. Wm C Kenszey (William C. Kenszey)
- Issuing Office: Department for Supplying the City with Water, Fifth Street, below Chestnut, Philadelphia, Dr.
- Utility Location: Charged for water rent for the year 1867 on the premises located at: 1115 Vine St (Vine Street - noted across the ledger columns with book/page coordinates: Duplicate 14, Page 2, Line 3).
- Total Amount Paid: $11.00
- Authentication: Hand-signed by the utility official at the bottom left of the ledger box with a large ink flourish reading "Recd Payment [Signature] for Register."
- Text Context: The bottom third features a highly detailed, readable print detailing "Regulations and Penalties" concerning water use, shut-off protocols, and structural tampering fees during the Reconstruction era.
- Reverse Side: Shows historical pencil script ledger markings tracking the transaction ("2 - 918. 11st or 10").
Condition Report:
This antique document is in very good condition considering it is nearly 160 years old. The printed black ink typography remains remarkably dark, crisp, and high-contrast, making it an excellent piece for framing. The paper displays natural uniform age toning and standard fold lines from historical vertical filing. The edges are largely clean with minor expected shelf wear and zero text or structural loss. Please review all high-resolution photos for exact, close-up details.
Shipping & Handling:
Will be packed with extreme care between rigid archival boards and shipped securely inside a waterproof poly mailer to prevent any bending, folding, or moisture damage during transit. Tracked shipping is included.
