J. F. Finkeldey , Lithographer, 218 Walnut St. Philadelphia (Philadelphia, ca. 1863). Lithograph trade card. Courtesy of Jeremy Finkeldey.

 

A stable income from lithography depended on steady commissions and reliable accounting.  For German-born lithographer John Frederick Finkeldey (1821-1883), alcoholic and absentee partner Edward Schnabel (ca. 1820-1883) hindered such financial security, as described in this letter to his brother. At the end of February 1863, Finkeldey organized the firm’s creditors to sue the business after nearly five years of unpaid work, the false promise of sole proprietorship, and lost patrons. On March 8, 1863, the sheriff’s bell rang for fifteen minutes to announce the sale of the establishment at 218 Walnut Street as Schnabel drank the day away at the saloon of previous patron Gustave Bergner. (See Section I).

 

Click image for larger view.