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About the item:
Dive into the charm of yesteryear with this authentic vintage document, a captivating piece of ephemera that transports you to the simpler days of handwritten ledgers and beautifully intricate lithography. These historical artifacts offer a window into a bygone era of commercial life, showcasing elegant designs, regional specialties, and everyday transactions that evoke nostalgia and cultural insight. Perfect for collectors, historians, or even decorators, they serve as unique time capsules—affordable, one-of-a-kind relics that connect us to our past, stirring memories and sparking conversations. Preserve a slice of history; add this evocative document to your collection today!
Specifics:
Authentic—not a reproduction—this over 100-year-old document is an Watts Bros. Co. Wholesale invoice and is dated October 21, 1922 (at this time, the US was in the early years of the Roaring Twenties, Europe was grappling with the aftermath of World War I as the Treaty of Versailles reshaped borders and economies, and the newly formed League of Nations sought to maintain global peace amid rising tensions and colonial unrest). It measures approximately 8 1/4 x 8 3/4 inches. In good condition with natural tan patina from age, enhancing its charm, though has some wear (e.g., slight creases or edge wear- it has also been folded) is present, see scans. It features pre-printed and handwritten elements. Both sides are shown in the scans.
About the company:
Established in 1885 in the thriving tobacco and rail hub of Lynchburg, Virginia, Watts Bros. Co. Wholesale emerged as a cornerstone of the South\'s mercantile landscape. Founded by brothers Richard Thomas Watts and James Winston Watts—Confederate veterans who leveraged their post-war grit—the firm specialized in dry goods, distributing textiles, notions, hardware, and apparel to retailers throughout Virginia, the Carolinas, and beyond. Its iconic \"Rooster\" logo, emblazoned with the motto \"Trademark Success,\" symbolized vigilance and prosperity, adorning catalogs, wagons, and labels that became synonymous with reliability. The company flourished during the cotton boom and World War I supply demands, employing dozens and expanding warehouses along the James River. Yet, the Great Depression and shifting trade patterns proved insurmountable, forcing closure in 1935 amid widespread economic collapse.
