[J. D. Emms, ship chandler of Lowestoft.] Autograph account book ('J D EMMS | 1851 | SHIP-BREAD'), recording the itemised orders for provisions for a large number of individuals and ships.

254pp., in long (32 x 10cm.) account book. Bound in vellum, with the front endpaper carrying a printed diary ('Almanack for 1850'), and the rear endpaper marbled. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper, in grubby vellum binding. At the head of the front free endpaper Emms has written 'J. D. Emms | Lowestoft | 1851 | Aug 6th.', and on the front cover: 'J D EMMS | 1851 | SHIP-BREAD'. Closely written, with the entries marked as paid, with Emms's signature and that of 'J. C. Emms'. Although shorter than usual, the first entry is laid out in typical fashion: 'Joshau Carroll of Exeter | Sept 3 | Owners Place of resedence [sic] | Dallish Devon | Richard Ferris | Capt E. Potter | 1 Cwt Bread 14s 0d | 1/2 Cwt ditto 7s 6d | 2 Stone Flour 3s 0d | [tota0l] £1 4s 6d | Settled J Emms'. Customers include 'Schooner Edward Beck of Carnarvon | Hugh Roberts Master'; Lowestoft Fishing Company; Sloop Oddfellow; 'Mr. Glover Victoria'; 'Mr. Thomas Lewes | Comett Pakefield'; 'Mr John Daynes'; 'Brig Hardwick Capt Press'; Fireman Arab; Fireman of Cumberland; City of Norwich Steamer; Rose Schooner; Royal Victoria; Susan Smack Yarmouth; Steward of Cumberland; 'Foreign men from Yarmouth'; Crystal Palace; Provisions sold include bread, 'Dutch cheese', biscuits, apples, turnips, herring, potatoes, tobacco, soda water, cabbages, onions, coffee, tea, butter, ginger beer, bacon, beef, oatmeal. At the rear of the volume are columns of 'Eggs from Yarmouth' and 'For Sugar'. Emms is listed as trading at 3 Commercial Road, Lowestoft, in commercial directories from as early as 1865. His entry in William White's 1874 Suffolk directory is unusually long, reflecting the increasingly-prosperous state of his business: 'steam bread and biscuit baker, bonded store dealer, grocer, wine, ale, porter,? anchor, chain and salt merchant, ship chandler, flour factor, importer of Russian and Dutch ropes and general commission agent'. Loosely inserted in the volume is the top part of one of Emm's bills, dating from January and February 1898, and featuring his ornate printed letterhead (covering 11 x 18 cm). Headed 'Warehouses, Commercial Road', the letterhead indicates how much Emms's business has prospered, as he is described as 'Importer of Russian, Italian, Manilla, Dutch and Coir Ropes, of every description. Spun yarn, lines & twines, in stock Anchors, Chains, wire stays & rigging, oils, paints, colors, canvass, blocks, side lights, lamps, compasses, leads & lead lines, and every description of stores used in the ship chandlery business, general commission agent, &c. &c.' On the reverse is an itemised manuscript bill for food, including '619 Sausage Rolls £2 11s 7d | 705 Mince Pies £2 18s 9d'.