What follows here are old letters, postcards, ads, catalog pages, book illustrations and other similar items. One could have countless thousands or millions of such items but we’ll keep it well below those numbers.
For the most part, I will not include comment to the items but on occasion, there are interesting features that I will say a few words on.
If you have any other old paper you think would be good to put here, let me know.

This 1888 letter from John Pew & Son is ten times as great looking in hand. The letter head detail is much sharper than here because to copy and eliminate some shading, some detail was lost in the process. This letter is one of my favorite paper items.

This is a wonderful original copperplate engraving ca 1780. The image is titled “Pl. 11. Filets de Peche, &c, Differentes sortes d’Hanecons et la Maniere de las Empiler.”

The print came from “The Encyclopedie Medthodique Par Ordre des Matieres” (“Methodical Encyclopedia By Order of Subject Matter”), published by Charles Joseph Panckoucke, in Paris France, 1780.

This is certainly the earliest example of how to snell a hook I have ever seen. With this print in hand, you feel the texture of the old paper and everywhere you look, you see something different. One of my favorite pieces.

This is an original Achim Johnson ad from an 1880 book. The back has ads as well. A rare item and it is in perfect condition.

William Mills & Son, letter 1881

This has nothing to do with fishing but I like it so here it is.

Arthur James trade card, Thom Nefos

Van Vleck hook advertisement

Sales brochure for Wm E Hooper & Sons, Twines, netting and cordage with the original samples form 1878.

Victorian trade card for Gowans & Stover’s soap.

Van Vleck hook advertisement

Victorian trade card for Clark’s Thread.