CHIMNEY

348pp., 4to, with openings numbered 1-174. In original vellum binding, marbled endpapers. 'Day Book 1840 & 1841' on spine, and the following in faded letters upside-down on back board: 'Geo: Rimingtons Day Book, <...> Weather Letters <...> | Jany. 1st. 1840 Sepr 14 1841'. Internally in very good condition, on lightly-aged paper, in worn and grubby binding. An extraordinarily detailed volume, filled with disparate information, written out in a neat close hand, with twenty-one lines to a page.

3pp., 12mo. On bifolium. 50 lines. On aged and creased paper, with glue from mounting in album on reverse of second leaf, which carries the address. The letter begins: 'What think you of the Bazaar for a title for your new work.

8vo, 4 pp, paginated [605] to 608. Disbound bifolium. Two stab holes. Good, on lightly aged paper, with slight loss along crease line. A piece of landmark legislation in the field of employment rights. 'And be it enacted, That [...] any Person who shall compel or knowingly allow any Child or young Person under the Age of Twenty-one Years to ascend or descend a Chimney, or enter a Flue, for the Purpose of sweeping, cleaning, or coring the same, or for extinguishing Fire therein, shall be liable to a Penalty not more than Ten Pounds or less than Five Pounds.'

The collection of six items, with an envelope, is in good condition. An interesting sidelight into 1930s business practice, and an insight into an unusual business concern. First, copy of letter, 14 November 1930 (4to: 1 p), to the firm from Percy L. Young of Messrs H. Young & Co. Constructional Engineers, confirming a verbal order 'for the installation and supply of lightning conductors' to 2 Orchard Rise, Sheen Common Drive, East Sheen.