Chicago Illinois 1916 James Davis Artistic Wall Paper Billhead 8 x 5.5

This 1916 billhead documents a commercial transaction from James Davis Artistic Wall Paper in Chicago, reflecting early twentieth-century interior furnishing and decorative trade practices.

Chicago supported a dense network of wallpaper and paint suppliers during the Progressive Era as urban construction and middle-class home ownership expanded. Firms like James Davis served both residential and commercial customers, offering wall coverings, glass, and window shades as part of a coordinated interior finish. Printed billheads from this period functioned not only as receipts but also as brand statements, presenting storefront imagery and formal typography to reinforce business legitimacy and visual identity.

The document is printed with an engraved illustration of the James Davis building at 1400–1406 Milwaukee Avenue and lists paints, wallpaper, glass, and window shades as services. It is dated May 11, 1916, and records an order shipped to Somerset, Wisconsin, with itemized quantities and prices for wall paper and border, along with parcel post and terms. Purple handstamped markings and a dated payment or receipt stamp add evidence of period commercial use and accounting process.

The item shown in the listing is the exact item the collector will receive. We have tens of thousands of items to choose from. Shipping will always be combined (or refunded) to save you as much money as possible. Please contact us with any questions, or visit our store page for specifics.