Art, Gold & Silver, Primitives & Rare Books
Lot 233:
Description
Mid 19th century handwritten manuscript ledger book measuring approximately 12 x 7.5 x 1.75 inches, bound in a worn half leather and marbled board binding with gilt lettered spine reading “Ledger.” The volume contains extensive handwritten entries including alphabetized name indexes, account records, financial tallies, and several pages of domestic and medicinal recipes such as a period “Bed Bug Poison” formula, along with loose inserted notes and clippings. Early pages identify the owner as George Robinson of Hudson, New York dated 1859, with numerous named individuals recorded throughout including tradesmen, laborers, and local residents, suggesting use as a working account book or merchant ledger. Interior pages include accounting entries for individuals such as Dr. James Weaver and Dr. John Shepherd as well as farm expenses, receipts, and balances written in careful period script. The book also preserves ib4323 practice pages, scribbles, and pasted ephemera including a printed illustration titled “Scenes in the War of 1812,” providing insight into the everyday record keeping and household life of the period. Condition shows heavy use with worn binding, foxing, loose or inserted pages, ib4323 stains, and edge wear consistent with age and working use, but the ledger remains a compelling historical artifact filled with names, financial records, and handwritten documentation from the Hudson, New York area in the mid 19th century.
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