Card, trade card

Engraved trade card publicising the ironmongery business of Bowley & Smith located at 57 Holborn Hill. The trade card is engraved with illustrations of goods supplied by the firm including kitchen stoves and fire grates and notes that they undertake general blacksmithing work. The trade card also includes the trade sign of a dog licking from a three legged cooking pot traditionally associated with ironmongers. In 1823 a young Charles Dickens, noticed the sign of a 'Dog's Head in a Pot' over a corner shop in Blackfriars Road whilst walking home to Lant Street, Southwark. He noted in a letter 'the likeness of a golden dog licking a golden pot over a shop door.'