Fairview Nursery Salesman's Sampler

Publication Date: 1908

About this Item

In the late 1800 s, Rochester, NY became a major hub for American nurseries. Capitalizing on this blooming industry (pun intended!), a number of companies were established to help nurseries and their traveling salesmen market and sell their stock. To support the nurseries, these companies produced vibrant chromolithographic plates of fruits, shrubs, trees, flowers and sometimes vegetables. These plates could be purchased individually, as bound assortments, or in portfolios for use in sales pitches to farmers and gardeners. Nurseries and salesmen often chose plates that represented their current stock and had them bound accordingly. Special bindings were also available, allowing for easy swapping of plates to reflect changing inventory or seasons. This particular salesman s sampler, marked "No 63" on front pastedown, contains 38 double-sided chromolithographic plates, one of which is laid in and glued likely reflecting stock acquired post-binding. The plates feature a variety of fruits, shrubs and trees, along with one flower plate and one vegetable plate. The plates were produced by the Rochester Lithographic Company, except for the flower plate which was produced by the Fairview Nursery. The Fairview Nursery was located in Lancaster, PA and owned by Daniel D. Herr, a prominent Mennonite businessman. This salesman s sampler was the property of Harry S. Leid and includes a certificate dated May 1, 1908, and is signed by Herr naming Leid as an Authorized Agent to sell nursery stock from the Fairview Nursery. Oblong 8vo, in original dark green cloth boards. Wear to boards and spine due to age and use. Binding is well-worn but intact and holding. Plates have intermittent foxing and toning throughout. A few plates show some loss, closed tears and creasing. Overall, in Good condition. .

Seller Inventory # 89

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Fairview Nursery Salesman's Sampler
• Publication Date: 1908
• Binding: Hardcover
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Colored Plates
  • Horticulture