[Charleston, SC] William M. Bird & Co. (firm)

[advertisement] 4 Paint Labels: Wando Premium; Pure; Etiwan No. 1; [and] Stonewall Pure

Charleston, SC: c. 1875. Broadside. Item #9865

Broadsides, approximately 5" x 6." Old folds; soiling, irregular trimming; one with early tape repair to the back; early paper residue on the backs; one with a portion of a PA company's name. While these are undated, they are quite early.

William Bird went into business in Charleston in 1865 and remains in business. As an early purveyor of building materials, much needed as Charleston and the South began rebuilding after the Civil War. The company writes of its history: "From its inception, the company flourished, transporting Southern lumber and naval stores from Savannah and Charleston to Northern ports. On its return voyages, Bird’s schooner carried new inventories of paint, glass, Belgian cement, and whale oil." We're uncertain, but perhaps these colorful labels were an early form of paint color-cards. Whatever the case, this is an early artifact of an important and still active Charleston business.

Price: $175.00