The Key to Success and Strictly Business

10 colour chromolithograph fashion plates, eight plates with 31 mounted textile samples, each plate with decorative advertising on the verso. 4to. [273 x 195 x 16 mm]. 67pp. Bound in the original quarter green cloth over green boards, sewn with a red silk thread, the front cover with a large red label blocked in gold with the title, dates and a key, blue-green endleaves printed to simulate a linen weave. (A few small holes and worn patches in spine and minor chipping around the edges). [ebc7771] Rochester, New York: Michaels, Stern & Co. Fall and Winter 1898-1899. A few short closed tears but in remarkably fine condition and complete, with the errata slip and all the samples in wool, worsted wool blends, serge, flannel, cheviot, cashmere-wool blends, and more. All the samples are clearly marked with the prices and availability along with specifications and recommendations. We have been unable to locate another copy for this or any other year. It is the most delightful and well produced salesman's sample catalogue for men's suits, overcoats and Street Railway Motormen & Conductor uniforms. It offers invaluable illustrated historical reference for the colours, styles and fabrics of the time (when the price of wool was running high). All the fabrics were manufactured in Rochester, and there were salesrooms in New York, Chicago and Cleveland. The firm was founded by Henry Michaels (1822-1894), one of Rochester's earliest manufacturers of ready-made men's clothing, and would become the longest-lived and largest independent clothing company in the town, lasting 128 years. In 1877 Michaels reorganised the firm with his son-in-law Morley Stern, and by 1885 it was trading as Michaels, Stern & Co. Their seven-story building at Clinton Ave & Pleasant remained the headquarters until 1977 when the company was dissolved.…