Billhead, invoice

Copper-engraved billhead with handwritten invoice issued by the wholesale glovers Hartley, Loncock and Hartley located at number 47, near the Monument. Both the engraved and handwritten script is in English round hand with Roman capitals. The invoice dated 7th September 1782, refers to the supply of gloves to John Thomas and Company a retail drapery firm located in Hinckley, Leicestershire. This firm went out of business in 1787. Similarly to other county drapers J. Thomas and Co ordered cloth and accessories from London wholesalers. Many of these London wholesalers also had large showrooms where they would display their stock to attract retail trade.