Antique Boxes at the Sign of the Hygra
2 Middleton Road, London, E8 4BL, UK.
PHONE: 00 44 (0)20 7254 7074
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Tea and Opium

 

Hygra: Antique sewing box by Mechi 

Hygra: Antique Rosewood Dressing/jewelry box by Joseph Mechi London circa 1875

Hygra: A Very Fine Writing Box Veneered with Rosewood and Inlaid with metal and mother of pearl by J. J. Mechi historic maker of London Circa 1850.

 

 

MECHI’S- CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES 1841.    

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LIST OF ARTICLES

From
MECHI

4 Leadenhall St London

INVENTOR

OF THE

MECHIAN  DRESSING CASE,

AND VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS IN ARTICLES OF CUTLERY.

1841. 

TRY MECHI'S Magick STROP.

  PAGE

Mechi's Address to the Public .... .2
Articles of Luxury and Ornament.. 3
Housekeeping Department ....... 4
Papier Mache Manufactures .... 5
Articles for Ladies' Toilet           lb.
 ----Gentlemen's ditto .................. 6
Ladies' Work Table Department..!b
------- Writing Table ditto.....       7
Articles for the Pocket, Garden, and
    Kitchen                                    ib.
    _Stable                 .. .. . .. .. .. .. 8
 Miscellaneous Articles........... ....ib.
Articles for Travelling...... .         .lb.

PAGE

Medical Department .................8
Articles of Amusement .............ib.
Prides of Table Cutelry............. 9
Patent Knife Sharpeners.......... 10
Prices of Sheffield Plate............. lb.
---- British Plate, or German
      Silver …………..................11
Bagatelle Tables........................ 12
Dressing Cases.......................... 13
-------Instruments, Writing Cases,
Writing Desks, and Work Boxes. 14
Mechi's Remarks on Shaving..... 15
A Golden Rule in shaving.......... !b.

MECHI’S- CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES 1841 Enlarge Picture

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MECHI’S ADDRESS

TO HIS CUSTOMERS AND THE PUBLIC
_______________
4,  LEADENHALL STREET, LONDON,  January 1, 1841.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
     Thirteen years ago 1 first bad the honour of soliciting your support; my means were then limited, but my intentions honest. My calculations were based upon the following obvious propositions:
     1st.--That confidence is the soul of business.
     2nd. That a new customer cannot have confidence until he tries the goods, or is recommended by some friend who has.
     3d. That it is the English character to be constant, and not change their place of business, or the article they are using, unless they have cause for dissatisfaction.
    4th. That that dissatisfaction can only arise from impropriety either of pattern, of quality, in price or in conduct.
    5th. is as a mine of gold, and a source of compound interest beyond any calculation of time or of tables.
    The conclusions I drew from the above, resolved me to the following line of conduct:-
    1st. Invariably to exchange, or return the money for any article even said to be defective, without reserve or mean objection.
     2nd To manufacture and vend articles only of the very first quality in material al and workmanship.
     3d Never to interpose an exorbitant profit between the producer and consumer, but to charge a moderate price for ready money,
    4th To pay a vigilant attention to the wants and wishes of my customers combining therewith regularity, civility, order, and cleanliness in, my establishment.
     5th To encourage with a liberal spirit the best workmen and manufacturers, with a view to stimulate their energies to do the best things in the best way; and thus so far as an individual can do improve the trade with which I am connected.
     I trust, also, I have never been found meanly depreciating my respectable competitors in trade, nor recommending new inventions till I had tried them myself.
     The result of faithfully pursuing the aforesaid line of conduct has been an immensely increased and rapidly accumulating trade, and a most valuable and attached connexion, to whom to the latest day of my existence I shall feel grateful and look back with honest pride.
     As a means of supplying my customers as reasonably as possible, and to avoid intermediate profits (which, in London, so largely enhance the cost to the public), I purchase for cash, and manufacture extensively on my own premises, employing between thirty and forty persons, besides a very large number of out door workmen, for whom I have not room on the premises, thus affording every advantage to my customers who may wish articles made to order.
     My Shipping and Wholesale Department will be found to offer considerable advantages to Merchants and Captains who purchase largely.
     After considerable thought and anxiety, I have succeeded in effecting some splendid improvements in the fitting, lighting and arrangement of my premises: these have been designed by myself, and executed by my own workmen on the premises.
      I trust they will be found eminently conducive to the comfort of my customers, by avoidance of noise, by abundance of light, and by exposing readily   and tastily to view the various elegancies I offer for sale, not second in appearance to any in this kingdom.
I beg to solicit your further favours and recommendation, and remain,
Your faithful and obedient servant,

J. J. MECHI.

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It is interesting to try and understand in real terms what Mechi's prices were:

Using www.measuringworth.com I have calculated:

In 2008, £52 10s 0d from 1841 is worth

£3,810.00 using the retail price index.
£40,400.00 using average earnings.

In real terms the boxes seem to be much more expensive when originally made than now.


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MECHI'S CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES.                 3

ARTICLES OF LUXURY AND ORNAMENT

         SUITABLE FOR PRESENTS.
                     
LADIES’

  
Dressing Cases............ from
Cabinets
Writing Desks
Work Boxes .................... 
Companions ....................... 
Smelling Bottles ………… 
Jewel Cases ………………….. 
Envelope Cases ............................... 
Card Cases ………… 
Portfolios ................................. …. 
Writing Cases .............................. 
Netting Boxes ……………… 
Playing Card Boxes ........................ 
Gold Thimbles _____
Gold mounted Penknives ................... 
Scissors ........................................ 
Inkstands .................................... 
Hair Brushes .................................  r
Card Racks .................................. 
Work Tables 
Pole Screens ................................. 
Hand Screens ................................. 
Letter Boxes ..................... 
Dressing Combs ............................ 
Pocket Fruit Knives ........................ 
Tablets, Pearl and Ivory ................... 
Card, Note, and Cake Baskets ............ 
Gold Pencil Case ........................... 
Silver ditto...................... 
Gold Penholder ............................ 
Silver ditto .................................. 
Pen Making Machines ................... 
Ink Boxes .................................... 
£    s.   d.
52  10  0 each
26   5   0   "
26   5   0   "
26   5   0   "
 5    5   0  "
 4    4   0  "
 7   7    0  "
 8   8    0  "
 4   4    0   "
 5   5    0  "
26  5    0   "
 3    3   0   "
 5   5    0  "
_____      "
 3    3   0   "
 3    3   0   "
 5   5    0  "
 4    4   0  per pair
 2   2   0     "
10 10   0 each
10 10  0 per pair
 3   3   0 per pair
3    3     0   each
 1   1     0     “
 0    2    0     “
  2   10  0     "
  2    2    0     “
   4    4   0     "
  1    10   0    "
  2    2    0     “
  0   15   0     "
  2    2    0     “
  2   10  0     "
  

GENTLEMEN'S

Dressing Cases from 
Writing, Desks 
Writing Cases 
Sporting Knives 
Pen Knives 
Pocket Books 
Tablets 
Pencil Cases 
Pen Holders 
84   0  0   each
21  0   0    "
15 15  0    "
 5    5   0    "
 2    0   0    "
 0  15   0    "
 1    0   0    "
 4    4   0    "
 2    2   0    "

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4      MECHI'S CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES.   

Gentlemen's continued              


Pen Machines from 2 2 0 each 
Chess Boards " 5 5 0 it 
Bagatelle Tables ... ... 
Ivory Chessmen 
Cigar Cases ------------- 
Seven-day Razor Cases 1 10 10 0 
Razors, in cases 3 3 0 per pair 
Razor Strops  
Instrument Cases  11 
Library Inkstands  11 
£    s.    d.
2    2    0    each
5    5    0    "
14 14   0    "
10 10   0    "
--------      "
10 10   0    "
3    3    0   per pair
1   5     0 each
1  10    0       "
3  15    0       "

FOR NEW MARRIED COUPLES.

Splendid Cases of Table Cutlery and Des- 
    sert Sets, in Ivory, Pearl, Agate, and 
     Silver........................................ from 
 

£4 4s, to 45 0 0 a case

HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT. 
DINNER TABLE.

Table Knives & Forks  
Dessert ditto ditto  
Meat and Poultry  
Carvers  
Round of Beef Slicers  
Ham Slicers   
Children's Knives &
   Forks  
   Steels & Knife Sharp 
eners  
Table Spoons 
Dessert ditto 
Table Forks 
Dessert ditto 
Fish Knives 
Soup Ladies 

Snuffers   
Snuffer Trays  
Table Candlesticks 

Gravy Spoons
Sauce Ladles
Salt Spoons
Mustard Spoons 
Skewers
Vegetable Knives
Corkscrews
Decanter Labels
- ------- Stands
Table Mats 
Bottle Corks 
Cruet Stands 
Pickle Frames  
Soy Frames 
Dish Covers  
Knife Rests 

Ch amber Candlesticks
Shade ditto
Branch ditto 

Nutcracks 
Asparagus Tongs 
Wine Coolers 
Wine Strainers
Champagne Knives 
------------Nippers
Marrow Spoons 
Cheese Scoops
Cases of Silver and 
Plated Fruit & Des.
  sert Knives, Mount 
  ings in Peafl, Ivory, 
  &c. &C.
Bread Baskets 
Crumb Brush
Waiters

Liqueur Cases
 -------Frames
Tea Chests

BREAKFAST TABLE.

Tea Trays  
-----Urns  
------Pots  
Coffee Pots 
Percolators 
Egg Stands 
Butter Cooler
 ------Knives
Cream Ewers 
Sugar Basins  
Tea Spoons  
Tea Caddies 
Egg Spoons
Salt ditto
Sugar ditto
Sugar Tongs
Enlarge Picture

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     MECHI'S CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES.                 5

PAPIER MACHÉ MANUFACTURES

Embrace every variety of Elegancies yet exhibited, either adapted
for Presents or for Drawing-room Ornaments. The Desks, Work
Boxes, and Envelope Cases show how far this art is capable of being
extended.


Tea Trays, in sets.............................from 
Work Tables ...................................... 
----------Boxes .....................
Writing Desks ...................................... 
Envelope Cases ...................................... 
Card Boxes ...................................... .........
Pole Screens ...................................... .....
-------Stands .............................................
Ladies' Dressing Cases ..........................
Tea Chest ...................................... ......... 
Portfolios ...................................... ...........
Inkstands ...................................... ..........
Letter Boxes ...................................... ......
Draught Boards ...................................... 
Netting Boxes ....................................... 
Card Baskets ........................................ 
------ Racks ...................................... ......
Hand Screens ...................................... .1 
Ladies' Scent Cases .............................
Companions ...................................... 
Card Cases ...................................... 
Cribbage Boxes ................................... 
Cigar Cases ...................................... 
Watch Stands. ...................................... 
Gentlemen's Portable Dressing Cases 
Letter Weights ...................................... 

£    s.    d
     0  to 
15  0 to 
  3   0 to 
15  0 to 
14  0 to 
    0 to 
 2  17 0 to 
    0 to 
    0 to 
16  0 to 
16  0 to 
    0 to 
15  0
    0 to 
    0 to 
16  0 to 
1    0 to 
  18 0 to 
10  0 --
    0
10  6 to 
     0 to 
15  0 to 
0     6 to 
10  0 -
    6 to 
£    s.   d
20   0
10  10 0
12  12 0
11  11 0
 8      0
 5  10  0
 5      0
 5     0
20  0 0
  0
 5    0
 5    0
   --------

    0

 3    0
 2   10  0
 3     0
 2      0
  ---------
  --------
  10   0
  10   0
  10   0
  10   0
  ---------

  11  6

ARTICLES FOR LADIES' TOILETS

Hair, Nail, Tooth, Curl, Comb,
and Habit Brushes 
Tongue Scrapers 
Tortoiseshell Side Combs 
----------------Dressing ditto 
----------------Tail ditto 
----------------and Ivory Small 
Tooth ditto 
Silver Capped Smelling & other 
Fancy Bottles, with & without 
Leather & Wood Cases 
Hair and Nail Scissors
Glove Boxes
Jewel ditto
Pearl Ring Stands
Bear's Grease
Tooth Powder
Real Windsor Soap
Rowland's Macassar Oil
Tweezers
Button Hooks
Sets of Teeth Instruments

                       N.B Some Ladies prefer having all the above articles neatly and com.
pactly arranged in a Dressing Case, for which see DRESSING CASE DEPARTMENT.

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6       MECHI'S CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES.                

ARTICLES FOR GENTLEMEN'S TOILET.

Razors, in pairs, or seven day 
Strops, Ivory Handles
-Scotch
- Common
Paste (Mechi's Magic)
Dressing Combs
Small Tooth ditto
Shaving Soap
Washing ditto
Naples ditto
Tooth Powder
Bear's Grease
Rowland's Macassar Oil
Glass and Metal Soap Dishes 
Tongue Scrapers
Hair Brushes
Cloth ditto
Hat ditto
Whisker ditto
Nail ditto
Flesh ditto
Tooth ditto, Water, Pallet, Pipes, 
and Pick
Comb Brushes
Shaving ditto
Whisker Combs
Shaving Powder
Razor and Penknife Hones
Boot Hooks
- Jacks
Nail Nippers
- Scissors
- Files, various
Button Hooks
Tweezers
Corn Files and Rubbers
Hair Scissors
Punches
Stiletto
Phial Corkscrews
Mouth Glasses
Hand ditto
Teeth Instruments, in sets
Russia Leather Brush Cases,
containing either pairs of Hair
Brushes, or sets of Hat, Hair,
and Clothes Brushes
Glove Boxes
Shoe Lifts, in Ivory and Horn
Silver Toothpicks
Pearl Ring Stands
Bottle Cases, containing bottles
for Eau de Cologne, Lavender
Water, &c., in Wood and
Leather

N.B. Some Gentlemen prefer having al l the above articles neatly and
compactly arranged in a Dressing Case, for which see page 13.
______________
LADIES'
WORK TABLE DEPARTMENT.

Work Boxes, in Papier Mâchè, 
Rosewood, Coromandel, Ma-
hogany, and other Fancy Ma-
terials
Ladies' Cabinets, containing
Work Box, Writing Desk, & 
Jewel Case
Ladies' Companions
Scotch Needle Case
Tortoiseshell ditto
Pearl ditto
Needles, Mechi's best, 4d. per
Pins [Paper
Bodkins and Piercers
Scissors
Thimbles and Shields
Pearl Reels
------ Winders
Emerys and Waxers
Silk Winders
Papier Mâchè Netting Boxes
Penknives

 

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Enlarge Picture
MECHI'S CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES.                 7

WRITING  TABLE  DEPARTMENT.

Envelope Cases, combining
Writing Paper and Envelopes
Writing Desks, for Ladies and
Gentlemen, in Rosewood and
Papier Mâchè
Russia Bookbacks, single or
double
Morocco ditto, ditto
Ink Boxes, in Leather & Wood
Russia Soufflets
Despatch Boxes 
Wellington Cases
Brass & Plated Screw-top Ink-
stands
Paper Knives, in Pearl and
Ivory, with and without Pen-
knives
Ivory and Pearl Tablets 
Mordan's Leads
- Silver & Gold Pencil
Cases
Inkstands, in Papier Mache
Ebony, Bronze, and Or-molu
Ivory and Pearl Rulers
Silver and Gold Penholders
Berry's Inks
Mordan's ditto
Perry's ditto
Portfolios
Cash Boxes, with or without
Patent Locks
Erasing Knives
Desk ditto
Wafer Stamps
Mordan's Pens
Mechi's Steel Pens

ARTICLES
FOR THE POCKET.

Pocket Combs, in Ivory, Mo
ther-o'pearl, and Shell
---Books, in Russia and
Morocco Leather
Pencil Cases, in Sit ver and Gold,
by Mordan
Porcelain Tablets
Ivory ditto
Mother-o'pearl ditto
Card Cases, in Russia and Mo.
rocco- 
----------Ladies, in Silver,
Mother-o’pearl, Ivory, and 
Shell
Penknives 
Sporting Knives
Pocket Nail Scissors
- Books, with Instruments
Toothpicks
Key Rings
Smelling Bottles, Gold & Silver
mounted
Lancet Cases
Cigar ditto
Snuff Boxes
Mechian Pocket Dressing Case
Pocket Corkscrews
Note and Bill-Cases
Pocket Needle Books
Silver Fruit Knives

FOR THE GARDEN.

Sets of Pruning Instruments 
Pruning Knives
-----Shears
Grape Scissors
Flower ditto
Budding Knives

FOR THE KITCHEN.

Cook's Knives Bread Knives Cucumber Slicers

 

8    MECHI'S CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES.                 

ARTICLES FOR THE STABLE. 

Bent and Straight Horse Scissors

Horse Combs
Flems

___________
MISCELLANEOUS.

Knives and Scissors, on Cards, for Shipping
Sailors' Knives
Ginger ditto 
Tailors' Scissors and Shears
Tortoiseshell Tea Caddies
-------------Needle Boxes
- Scotch ditto
- Ivory Screen Handles
Fancy ditto
Bronze Watch Stands
Letter Weights
&Or molu TaperStands
Coal and Ebony Inkstands 
Tea Chests and Caddies
Ladies' Scent Cases 
Mordan's Fountain Inks
Perry's Patent ditto
Berry's ditto
Plated, Plain, and Screw top
Inks
Brass ditto
Wood's Excise Inks
Scissors' Sheaths
Penknife Cases
Powder Flasks
Penknife and Razor Hones
Sandwich Cases
Smelling Bottles
Reticule Snaps
Pearl and Ivory Counters
Steel Chains
Blacking Brush Cases
Blotting Books
Weighing Machines
Shoe Lifts
Key Rings
Ivory Folding Rules

ARTICLES FOR TRAVELLING.

Knife, Fork, and Spoon, cornbined 
Japan Dressing Cases, for Ladies 
Pocket Leather Dressing Cases 
----------------Writing Cases
Drinking Bottles 
Box Razor Strops 
Shaving Brush and Tooth Brush 
Rollers

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.

Lancets and Lancet Cases Medicine Chests

ARTICLES OF AMUSEMENT.

Bagatelle Tables
Backgammon Tables, in Leather,
Fancy Wood, Ebony, &c.
Draught and Chess Boards
Cribbage ditto
Pope Joan ditto
Draughtsmen, in Wood & Ivory
Chessmen, in Bone, Wood, and
     Ivory
Card Boxes, for Playing Cards
Skates

oooo

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MECHI's LIST OF PRICES
OF HIS CELEBRATED
"PECULIAR STEEL" TABLE CUTLERY.

Shopkeepers, Merchants, Captains, Traders, Coffee house Keepers, Families, New-married Couples, and others, who 
require supplies of TABLE CUTLERY, and are desirous of saying their money as well as having what can be depended
upon, will find the undermentioned Prices cheaper than at any Wholesale Warehouse in London, or even in Sheffield.

A Stock of £1000 worth to choose from.

Any Article defective will be with pleasure Exchanged. Ready Mon y
Small Profits, and Good Articles, is MECHI'S System. Goods delivered,
free of Expense, in all parts of London and its Vicinity, or forwarded
to the Country on receipt of a remittance, or reference, post paid.

Table Knives
and Forks,
per dozen of
24 Pieces.

Dessert Knives
and Forks,
per dozen of
24 Pieces.

Carvers,
per pair.

The complete
Set of'
50 Pieces.



869
B.I.



183
184



222
407
97



B.B.
81
37

IN IVORY HANDLES.

Balanced elegant full-size and superfine Ivory 
Full-size Octagon balanced Ivory 

WHITE BONE HANDLES.

Balance Octagon White Bone  
Octagon White Bone, not balanced 

REAL STAG AND BUCK HORN.

Real Stag Horn 
Real Buck Horn 
Variegated Horn, balanced .....

BLACK HORN HANDLES.

Handsome Octagon, Black Horn, balanced 
Ditto ditto, not balanced 
Excellent and neat black handle, one pin 

£    s.    d


 2   6    0
 1  16    0




 1   1    0
 0   17   0





 1   3   0
0  16   0
 1   8   0




 1   1    0
 0   16   6
 0   12   0
£    s.    d


1  15 0
1   7  0




0 16 6
0 15 0,





1 0 0
0 13 6
1 5 0




0 16 6
0 14 6
0 10 0

£    s.   d.


0     9    0
0    7     0




0    4     6
0    4     0





0    5    6
0    4    6
0    6    0




0    4    6
0    3    6
0    3    0

£    s.    d.


4   10    0
3   10   0




2    2    0
1   16 .  0





2   8      6
1   14    6
2   19    0




2   2   0
1  14   6
1   5    0

Those who require Knives without Forks, will please to observe they are two-thirds the price of the Knives and Forks,
that is, double the price of the Forks. Poultry Carvers same price as Meat Carvers. 

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Enlarge Picture
10     MECHI'S CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES.                 

PATENT KNIFE SHARPENERS

An immense variety, on the most approved principles, at 2s. 6d.,. 3s.6d., 4s. 6d.; and in ivory handles, at 5s. 6d. each, either two rollers or cross barred. Also Table Steels, of a new and very powerful description, at 4s, and 5s. 6d. each. Round of Beef, Ham, and other Slicing and Carving Knives. Cooks' Knives, Bread Knives.

OLD TABLE CUTLERY GROUND, REPAIRED, AND THE HANDLES
CLEANED.
CASES OF KNIVES FOR EXPORTATION.
REMARKS ON TABLE KNIVES.

The same Rule applies to Table Cutlery as to all other Cutting Instruments, viz., that they must be frequently sharpened. A servant who understands knife cleaning, will, before taking them off the board, draw them briskly a few times from back to edge first on one side, then on the other, and thus produce an excellent edge: whereas a clumsy inexperienced baud will (by not holding them flat to the board) contrive to give the best steel go dull an edge, that one might almost 11 ride to Romford" on it. Hence the necessity of an efficient Steel.
     Servants are apt, in cleaning knives, to allow the arm to take its natural ball and socket, or half circular movement, this of course, must completely round and thicken the edge and wear the back. Strict injunctions should be given to keep the knife always flat on the board. The very best knives when new, will not cut unless the above directions are strictly enforced.

_____________
SPLENDID REAL SHEFFIELD PLATE,

Warranted to wear from Nine to Fifteen Years, according to the care taken the edges and ornamental work being all made of solid silver, and finished by first rate workmen. The Patterns comprise all that is most fashionable in silver, and will well repay the trouble of inspection, with an immense variety to choose from.

£     s.     d £     s.    d 
Splendid Tea urn, silver mountings .......
Ditto ditto ..............................
Ditto Coffeepots from 
Ditto Teapots 
Ditto Sugar basins 
Ditto Cream. ewers 
Ditto Liqueur frames, with three rich cut 
bottles .......................................
Cruet frames, with six to eight bottles ... 
Ditto Waiters, richly chased & embossed
Ditto Table Candlesticks, per pair..
Ditto Chamber candle sticks, per pair
Ditto Butter coolers 
Ditto Bread baskets ...
Ditto Egg frames .............................
Candlesticks, with branches,, per pair ......
Ditto, with shades, for the East and West
Indies, per pair ...........................
-----
-----
 3   4   0
 2   9   6
 2   0   0
 1  11  0

 3   0   0
3   0   0
 2  5   0
 0  19  0
 1  17  0
 2   7   0
 3  16  0
 2   1  6
------

 3   0  0
14   2   0
12   8  0
  5   0   0
  5   0   0
  2  17  0
  2   8   0

  5   5   0
  5   0   0
  9   0   0
  3   5   0
  2  5   0
 2  10  0
 5    6  0
 4  15  0
 10  0  0

  3  12  0

ARTICLES OF AMUSEMENT.

Bagatelle Tables
Backgammon Tables, in Leather,
Fancy Wood, Ebony, &c.
Draught and Chess Boards
Cribbage ditto
Pope Joan ditto
Draughtsmen, in Wood & Ivory
Chessmen, in Bone, Wood, and
     Ivory
Card Boxes, for Playing Cards
Skates

| high resolution version

      MECHI'S CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES.                 11
£     s.     d £     s.     d
A set of four full-size Hash or Vegetable
dishes & Covers, with solid silver edges &
handles ; the handles made to take off, so
that the Covers may form an extra dish,
at various prices, according to pattern
Splendid Hollyhock and Acanthus Leaves,
  perfectly novel, for dessert, fruit, &c  ................
Snuffer trays .................. ..................  
Snuffers .................. .................. .................. 
Toast.racks  to .................. .................. 
Asparagus-tongs ... .................. .................. 
Grape-scissors .................. .................. 
Vegetable-forks .................. .................. 
Nutcracks  .................. .................. 
Knife-rests, per pair .......................... ..............
Decanter-labels, each .................. .................. 
Cheese-scoops .................. .................. 
Fish-slices ..................................... ................ 13s. 
Butter-knives ............. .................. 
Engraved Bottle-corks .................. .................. 
Plated Skewers, per inch .................. .................. 
Plated on Steel Table-forks, per dozen ..................  
Ditto Dessert-forks ditto ....................................   
Ditto Table-spoons ditto ....................................  
Ditto Dessert-spoons ditto ....................................  
Ditto Tea-spoons ..... ditto .................. .................. 






  2  10  0
  0   9   6
  0   7   6
  1   1   0
  1   1   0 
  0   9   0
    ---
  0   4   0
  0   4   0
  0   1   6
  0   7   0
  0  15  0
----
----
----
----
----
----
----
----






 3   0   0
 0  18  0
 1   0   0
 1  10  0
 0    5  0
 0  15  0
 0  12  0
 0  10  6
 0    6  6
 0   2   6
 0  10  6
 0  16  0
 0    4  6
 0    1  6
 0    0  4
  2   0  0
  1  10 0
  2   0  0
  1  10 0
  0  16 0

PLATED ON STEEL KNIVES, WITH IVORY AND PEARL HANDLES.

Twelve Plain Ivory Knives and Twelve
Forks 
Twelve Carved ditto 
Elegant Mahogany Cases, containing 12
and 18 pair each of various novel and
elegant patterns, in Ivory, Pearl, and
Silver Handles ..................................... £5 12s. 






 0  10  0

 3  10  0
 4   4   0



 11 10  0

BRITISH PLATE, or GERMAN SILVER
AN EXCELLENT SUBSTITUTE FOR REAL SILVER.

     The most effective imitation is in the Spoons and Forks, that
have a body of real silver plated over the British Plate. So ac-
curate and durable are these, that I am convinced twenty years'
wear would not show that they were not real silver, and they do
not cost one quarter the price of silver; the fact is, the interest of
money that would be paid for real Silver will buy these things
oftener than they are wanted.

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12       MECHI'S CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES.                 

BRITISH PLATE, continued.
PRICES OF BRITISH PLATE COVERED WITH REAL SILVER.

£     s.     d £     s.     d
Table Spoons, per doz  
Dessert Spoons ditto  
Tea Spoons ditto  
Table Forks ditto  
Dessert forks .....ditto  
Sugar Tongs per pair  
Sauce Ladles.....each each 
Gravy Spoons ditto  
Soup Ladles ditto 
 3  5  0
 2  7  0
 1  8  0
 3  0  0
 2  5  0
 0  5  0
 0  6  0  
 0 10 0
 0 18 0 
Fish Knives 
Caddie Spoons 
Sugar Spoons 
Salad Forks & Spoons 
Sugar Sifters 
Egg Spoons 
Mustard Spoons
Salt Spoons 
Skewers 
  1  0   0







PRICES OF THE BRITISH PLATE OR GERMAN SILVER. 

     The quality of these goods are warranted; and bear so close a 
resemblance to silver as to deceive many, being in every respect 
of the same finish. 
     Any lady or gentleman wishing to try them may have their 
money returned if not approved. 
     The fact is, that some discredit has been attached to the German 
Silver goods, owing to unprincipled vendors having imposed on the 
public base compositions, in lieu of the genuine admixture of 
nickel, the whole affair being (like real Sheffield Plate) entirely a 
matter of confidence.

£     s.     d £     s.     d
Table Spoons, per doz.   
Dessert Spoons ditto   
Tea Spoons ditto 
Table Forks ditto   
 1 16  0
 1  6   0
 0 14   0 
 1 13   0
Dessert Forks per doz.
Gravy Spoons each 
Sauce Ladles ditto  
Soup Ladles ditto 
 1  4   0 
 0  6   0
 0  3   6
 0 10  6

INTERESTING AMUSEMENT, 
BAGATELLE VERSUS BILLIARDS. 

MECHI invites attention to his celebrated BAGATELLE TABLES, 
which, from the accuracy of their finish, and being cushioned in a 
most superior manner, render the game capable of such nice cal- 
culations as to come into competition with Billiards. They are 
made on the most durable style of solid well-seasoned Mahogany; 
they are complete with superior Cue, Mace, Bridge, and Nine 
Balls, for playing the four games, and are accompanied with 
Mechi's Directions, printed on card-paper. 
The Board should always be accompanied by one of Mechi's 
Mahogany stands, with screw legs, so as to adjust the Board to a 
perfect level, let the floor be ever so uneven 

OPEN BOARDS, 
FOR PUBLIC ROOMS, CIGAR DIVANS, AND INNS.

£     s.     d
10 feet long by 3 feet 0 in. wide, 1 7/8 inch Balls  
9 feet long by 2 feet 8 in. wide, 1 3/4 inch Balls 
8 feet long by 2 feet 4 in. wide, 1 1/2 inch Balls 
10 0  0
 9  0  0 
 6 10 0

The price of the Stands varies from £2 to £3.

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    MECHI'S CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES.                 13

BAGATELLE versus BILLIARDS, continued.
FOLDING BOARDS (for Family use), richly French polished.

£     s.     d
8 feet long by 2 feet wide 
7 feet long by 20 inches wide 
6 feet long by 18 inches wide 
 5  10  0
 4  10  0
 3, 10  0

Country orders (with a remittance) punctually attended to.
Old Bagatelle tables properly repaired. New Cues, Maces, Balls, and Spirit Levels.

Backgammon Boards, complete with Draughtsmen & Boxes.

FLAT DRAUGHT AND CHESS BOARDS.

CRIBBAGE BOARDS, Ss. to 15s.

POPE JOAN BOARDS, 8s. 6d. to £1 10s.

A great variety of Ivory, Bone , and Wood Chessmen, plain or richly carved, at all prices, from 5s. to £8 8s. 

THE MECHIAN DRESSING CASES.

     splendid assortment for Ladies and Gentlemen, elegantly and str ngly finished, in Mahogany, Rosewood, Coromandel wood, &c. Brass bound or inlaid with Pearl.

N.B. Old ones repaired and re polished.

     It has ever been a general complaint that, owing to the inexperience of Dressing Case Makers in the manufacture of Cutlery, the instruments in Dressing Cases (particularly Razors) are mostly of an inferior quality, and totally unfit for use. The well established

     Mechi's Razors, Penknives, Scissors, &c. will be a sufficient guarantee against the possibility of this being the case with those Dressing Cases manufactured by him.

Prices --Ladies' Dressing Cases 2 Guineas to 50 Guineas.
              Gentlemen's ditto 25s. upwards to £80.

The more expensive are of the most complete description, fitted with Looking Glass, Jewel Drawers, and all other necessary articles, as; particularized at foot. The workmanship and quality of the wood are of such a seasoned description, that there is no fear of their being injured by exposure to a warm sun or a hot climate. The highest Cases are mounted in solid Silver, and fitted with solid Ivory Brushes, and other costly articles.

Morocco and Russia Leather Dressing and Writing Cases,
for Travellers. &c.

Either unfurnished (gentlemen finding their own instruments), or fitted up with all or any of the following articles. viz.:-

     Hat, Hair, Clothes, Tooth, Nail, Comb, and Shaving Brushes; Dressing and Small tooth Combs; Looking Glass; Bottles, &c. for Tooth Powder, Bear's Grease, Oils, Lavender Water, Lip Salve, Washing and Shaving Soap; and the following

 

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14     MECHI'S CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES.                

INSTRUMENTS.

Mechi's best Razors, Hair , and Nail Scissors, Penknives, Boot Hooks, Corkscrews, Tweezers, Nail and Corn Files, Button Hooks, Piercers, Punches, Pencil Toothpicks, Pen Holders, &c.
    The patterns are so various that it would be impossible to describe each separately ; some roll up, others pull off, some are small in compass, for the pocket or travelling bag, and are without the Hair or Clothes Brushes ; others, on a larger scale, are more complete. The prices begin 20s., 25s., 32s., 40s., 50s., 60s., 70s., 80s., 95s., and go upwards to £15 ; therefore, gentlemen abroad or in the country, who wish their friends to purchase for them, should state the price they wish to go to, and, particularly, whether the Hat, Hair, or Clothes Brushes are required, because these very much increase, the size and cost of the Cases and it may be well to mention also, which of the above named instruments are required.
     The Dressing Cases at £4. 6s. are very complete. and generally approved for their convenient arrangement.

WRITING CASES in every variety of Pattern.

£     s.     d £     s.     d
Plain Roan or Mock Russia Cases, with
Inkstand and plain Locks  .............................. 
Ditto in Russia Leather, with Bramah's
Patent Locks  .............................. ....................
Turkey Morocco ditto   .............................. 
Some of the above are made to combine Dressing Apparatus, which, of course, enhances the price, according to the number of
instruments.
Blotting Books (Paper Cases) Plain, EM
bossed, and with Locks......................................
Pocket Books ................................................... 
Note Cases .............................. ............................

 0  18  0 to

  2   0  0 to
  2   0  0 to





 0   3  6 to
 0   2  6 to
 0   2  6  to

 1 15  0

  5   0  0
10  0  0





 0  10  6
 0  12  0
 0  10  0

WORK BOXES.

A great variety in Rosewood, Mahogany, and Leather, plain and
inlaid with Brass, Pearl, and Ivory.
Small sizes   0  8   0 to   0  14 0
Larger ..........    0 15  0 to  1  5 0
Ornamented    1 10 0 to  6  0  0

They are all warranted to stand well; the style of lining is tasteful, and the instruments of warranted quality. The linings are various, such as Blue, Amber, Crimson, &c.

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      MECHI'S CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES.                 15

MECHI'S REMARKS ON SHAVING.

MOST gentlemen who travel (particularly in foreign parts) are desirous to
be as little encumbered o possible.
The Soap Dish is a nuisance, and generally renders a Dressing Case inconveniently large. This maybe easily dispensed with (and advantageously too)
by first wetting the beard with a shaving-brush, then rubbing a cake of soap 
over it, and afterwards, by mean s of the brush and a little more water, raising 
a lather which, in efficacy and facility of shaving, will far surpass all others. 
A small piece of Naples Soap, the size of a pea, spread on the chin will, 
with the assistance of the brush and a little water, produce a similar result. 
Indeed, to all shavers, I recommend this, whether travelling or not as the
best means of easy shaving ; for how frequently is time wasted in raising a 
lather in the dish (where it is not wanted) in lieu of doing it on the face 
where a good deal of friction and soap is indispensably necessary, 
One trial alone of the above plan will bring conviction to the most strenuous 
advocate of the dish system. 
It may be Well to remark that to avoid having the lather thick or thin in 
the extreme, I dip my brush in water, giving it a gentle shake, which throws 
off the superfluity, and leaves enough to raise the soap on the face to a consistent lather.
Where the soap is glutinous, the surface of beard extensive, or the brush 
small, a second or even a third recourse to the basin maybe necessary during 
the process. The cake of soap quickly rubs away on the face, the beard act- 
ing as a file.
I think I may remark that, generally speaking, there is too much rubbing in 
the dish, and too little on the face. 

__________________
A GOLDEN RULE IN SHAVING. 

Always rub your beard well with your naked hand, soap, and cold water, be- 
fore you lather
. The Spanish barbers, who are allowed to be artists in easy 
shaving, invariably do this, so do the East Indian barbers. The result is, you 
soften your beard, save your skin from irritation, and prevent injury to the 
razor; for remember, it is much easier to cut a soaked bristle than a dry 
harsh one.
     If you will not take the trouble to do this, you will find your razor hang 
against the board, and drag (not a pleasent sensation, although a very com- 
mon one). Always strop your razor after shaving to prevent rust on the edge, 
taking care to press most on, the back. Fresh paste should be applied once a 
month.
     In turning the Razor in stropping, be sure to keep the back down on the 
Strop, changing at the same time the position of your hand and arm, both of 
which must act freely as high as the elbow. A cramped hand does not an wer 
for stropping a razor properly: alight, free, brisk action far surpasses a dull 
heavy stroke.
     When the Strop becomes notched or uneven, it is no longer fit for use. In 
fact, so easily are the Teeth of a good Razor disturbed that only once strop- 
ping it on an improper composition will destroy its fine edge and make it 
painful to shave with. If you shave from heel to point of the Razor, strop it 
from point to heel; but if you begin with the point, then strop from heel to 
point. Those who have not one of MECHI'S MAGIC STROPS, will do well 
before shaving to strop the Razor on the fleshy part of the ban(], and then 
upon a small piece of dry clean wash leather (plate leather). 
     A Razor that is badly tempered can never maintain its fine edge even 
during one shaving. The practice of pressing on the edge of a Razor in 
stropping, generally rounds it; it should be directed to the back, which Must 
never be raised from the Strop. It would be better not to strop your Razor 
at all, than to do so hastily or carelessly, when the Razor is once, in good 
condition a few strokes on the Strop will keep it so, with a stiff beard; but for 
a light and tender face, stropping once or twice a week is sufficient, but the 
band or wash leather should be used every day. If you only once put away 
your Razor without stropping, you must no longer expect to shave well, the 
soap and damp so soon rust the fine teeth. Apiece of plate leather should he 
always kept with the Razors. 

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16       MECHI'S CATALOGUE OF MANUFACTURES.                 

A Golden Rule In Shaving, continued.

The operation of shaving is in effect precisely that of mowing. We may compare the stiff beard to coarse grass, and the Razor to the scythe. The mower would cut but little did he not frequently, by using the stone, renovate the edge of the instrument. the same remark applies to the shaver. Experience convinces me, however. that many have never drawn the comparison, or they would not continue to labour away for years on an old disfigured Strop, from which every particle of composition must have long since been worn off, or at all events have lost its cutting properties; for the com. position, which should consist of sharp cutting angles, wears away as well as the Razor. Besides, the Strop, by being frequently laid down without its case, absorbs all sorts of dust and grit (injurious in the extreme to a smooth edge), and requires; occasional scraping, which may be best done by the back of a knife. Light silky beards require a keen, thin, elastic edge ; stiff gristy beards, on the contrary, require a stronger edge, with but little elasticity.
     Those who have very thin irritable skins, I recommend to rub their beards with sweet oil before lathering, the alkali will then act on the oil instead of the skin, and assist in producing a more durable lather. Besides, the skin will not then absorb the liquid part of the lather too quickly, as it otherwise does.
     Never fail to well wash your beard with soap and cold water, immediately before you apply the lather, of which the more you use the easier you will shave. Never use warm water, which makes a tender face. Place the Razor (closed of course) in your pocket, or under your arm, to warm it. In order to shave very clean, it is sometimes necessary to lather and go over your beard a second time. The moment you leave your bed is the best time to shave; always putting your shaving brush away with the lather on it.
     The Razor (being only a very fine saw) should be moved in a sloping or sawing direction, holding it nearly flat to your face, care being taken to draw the skin as tight as possible with the left hand, so as to present an even stir., face and throw out the beard.

_________________

            In order to Shave with, Ease, it is neces-
sary to have good RAZORS, an efficient
STROP,
and proper
COMPOSITION to renovate it occa-
sionally.

MECHII CHARGES AS FOLLOWS :

£     s.     d
Pair Best Razors in black handles
Pair ditto, in ivory handles
Razor Strop, 12 inches long, No. 6 ........................
-----------------15 inches long, No. 7 ........................
Cake of Magic Paste 6d . ditto, larger
Shaving Brush, ill Badger hair ..............................
Deep and Large Soap Dish 0 4
Shallow ditto ........0 1
Naples Soap, in pots, as imported 0 1
 0   7   0
 0  10  0
 0   3   6
 0   5   0
 0   1   0
 0   3   6
 0   4   6
 0   1   6
 0   1   6

*** Orders by Post, with a Remittance, promptly attended to.

__________________
CUTLERY GROUND AND REPAIRED DAILY ON
THE PREMISES.


MECHI'S STROPS AND PASTE ARE VENDED BY MOST RESPECT-.
ABLE PERFUMERS.

 Beware of Counterfeits ! Those without his Name
are not genuine.

WHITING, LONDON

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J MECHI

LIST OF

ARTICLES

No 4

LEADENHALL ST.

LONDON

 

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