PARSEE

Silk & Sons of Long Acre were one of the leading Victorian coach builders, Robert Silk (born c.1797, fl.1871) already being established in Long Acre by 1851. In due course Robert was succeeded by his son William (born 1824), who in his turn took his sons William junior (1853-1911) and Robert John (1858-1934) into the business. The firm continued to trade at least until 1907, when the Long Acre premises were sold. The present collection of eleven items derives from the firm's archive.

Silk & Sons were one of the leading coach builders of Victorian London, Robert Silk (born c.1797, fl.1871) already being established in Long Acre by 1851. Robert Silk was succeeded by his son William (born 1824), who in his turn took his sons William junior (1853-1911) and Robert John (1858-1934) into the business. The firm continued to trade at least until 1907, when the Long Acre premises were sold.The present collection, mainly compiled by the elder William Silk, contains around 350 items relating to carriages, coaches, coaching and coach building, dating from between 1750 and 1893.

Note: 1p., 12mo. Creased, and with tear at head, 1 x1/2". Written in the third person, it reads: 'Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy will have much pleasure in complying with Miss Browns wishes by sending her some Flowers tomorrow Evening. | Maragone Castle | 23d. April'. Engraving: The margin has been cut away, but an accompanying printed slip carries the original caption: 'THE LATE | SIR JAMSETJEE JEEJEEBHOY, BART.' A steel engraving from a photograph, showing an old bewhiskered Jejeebhoy seated in robes and hat, with curled slippers, in a carved chair on a Turkey carpet.

Parsee shipping magnate (1857-1939). One page, quarto. Creased and discoloured, with a little spotting. Reads 'I am your Society's Life member since past many years | I shall feel obliged if you can procure me some recipe for making anti-fouling paint for use no steel steamers bottoms.' Signed ''. Docketed as answered over the Society's stamp.