Devoe & Co. Founding Document.
signed first edition
Book. (Business History.) Manuscript Articles of Agreement of F. W. Devoe & Co. October 1st, 1869. Folio, 17 pp; remnants of ribbon ties. Tax stamps affixed to each page. Folded, small piece missing at fold, with loss of a few letters. The original partnership agreement between Frederic W. Devoe and four principals for establishing a business in "maufacturing, importing and dealing in paints, oils, etc.", signed by all. With origins back to 1754, the Devoe Company was the first American paint manufacturer, and continuing today is America's oldest paint firm. The present document of 1869 signals the firm's national presence, with branches in New York and Chicago. It provides details of financial shares, accounting, salaries, disputes and arbitration, continuity of ownership, etc.. (Inventory #: 567)