When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Welcome to adVintage Picks!
We offer a curated mix of vintage, collectible, nostalgic, and unique finds. Every piece is selected with care and packed thoughtfully for its next home.
【 Item Description 】
The Story:
An incredibly rare original August 1, 1883 John H. Roelker & Co. illustrated trade catalogue from Evansville, Indiana. This is a genuine 19th-century American industrial catalog, not a reproduction, and it represents an important piece of Victorian-era manufacturing, stove, foundry, and agricultural advertising history.
John H. Roelker & Co. operated as a foundry and salesroom business in Evansville, Indiana, producing and selling both household and agricultural goods. This large-format catalog reflects the company’s dual industry focus, with detailed black-and-white lithographic illustrations of cooking stoves, heating stoves, plows, scrapers, cotton sweeps, hollow ware, tinner’s stock, and cast iron goods.
Featured stove models include names such as “Clipper,” “Ladies’ Friend,” “Fame,” and “Eadies’ Friend.” The agricultural section includes illustrated plows and farm implements associated with Roelker’s foundry production. Printed by T.J. Groves & Co., this catalog is a striking example of late 19th-century industrial marketing and trade publication design.
Complete examples of this type are extremely difficult to find on the public market and are more often seen in institutional or archival collections. A wonderful reference piece for collectors of antique stove catalogs, cast iron ranges, plow and farm implement history, Evansville Indiana ephemera, Victorian trade catalogs, and American industrial advertising.
Brand / Maker:
John H. Roelker & Co.
Foundry and Salesrooms, Evansville, Indiana
Era:
1883
Dated August 1, 1883
Material:
Printed antique paper trade catalog
Measurements:
Approximately 12.5" x 9.5"
Large-format catalog
Special Features:
Original antique 1883 trade catalog, not a reproduction
Complete 52 pages / 26 sheets, plus front and back covers
Features cooking stoves, heating stoves, plows, scrapers, cotton sweeps, hollow ware, and cast iron goods
Includes detailed Victorian-era lithographic illustrations
Printed by T.J. Groves & Co.
Rare Evansville, Indiana industrial / foundry advertising ephemera
【 Condition Report 】
This item is sold in its original, “as-found” antique condition. Considering its age of more than 140 years, it remains a highly collectible and displayable example, but it does show expected antique paper wear.
Specific details:
The covers show age-related edge wear, corner wear, minor chipping, foxing, spotting, toning, and surface wear. The interior pages are remarkably intact overall, with foxing and age toning throughout. The black-and-white lithographs remain sharp, detailed, and easy to view. The text and illustrations are still highly readable and are not obscured by the age wear.
The original binding is present but delicate. This catalog should be handled carefully due to its age and fragile antique paper construction. There may be small creases, marks, edge imperfections, and other age-related paper flaws throughout.
Please review all photos carefully. Antique paper items naturally show age, and the high-resolution images are the most important part of this description. You will receive the exact 1883 John H. Roelker & Co. catalog shown.
【 A Personal Note from the Seller 】
adVintage Picks is a solo operation, and every item is selected, photographed, packed, and shipped with care. As a growing shop, your response is very important to me. If there is ever any issue with your order, please contact me before leaving response so I can do my best to help.
【 Shipping & Handling 】
This fragile antique trade catalog will be packed with extra care. It will be placed in a protective sleeve and shipped with sturdy cardboard support / rigid backing to help prevent bending during transit.
Fast handling and careful packaging are always a priority.
Thank you for visiting adVintage Picks!
Sold as is.
