Rochester New York 1896 J Mandery Son Bicycle Letterhead 8.5 x 11

This 1896 business letter on J. Mandery & Son letterhead from Rochester, New York documents a late nineteenth-century bicycle and sundries trade transaction during the height of the American cycling boom.

Rochester stood as one of the nation’s principal bicycle manufacturing and distribution centers in the 1890s, with numerous firms producing cycles and related accessories for a rapidly expanding market. The ornate illustrated letterhead features the J. Mandery & Son mark with stylized typography and decorative scrollwork framing the words Bicycles and Sundries, reinforcing brand identity through bold graphic presentation. The printed address line and dating place the correspondence squarely within the peak era of cycling commerce, when hardware, bells, and accessories were ordered in bulk quantities to meet local demand.

The typed letter references the purchase of bells in quarter-gross quantity and discusses an upcoming store opening, providing concrete insight into retail preparation and merchandising practices of the period. Crisp blue typewriter text contrasts with the engraved header design, and the document measures 8.5 x 11 inches. The piece serves as a strong primary-source example of bicycle trade ephemera from Rochester’s industrial high point.

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.