47

(American, 1770 to 1930)

Group of 30+ Manuscript Ledgers, Account Books, and Diaries

Group of more than thirty manuscript business ledgers, account books, diaries, and autograph and friendship albums, primarily New England, late 18th to early 20th century.

Including a small handmade diary of Nathaniel Snell, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, 1771; a blacksmith ledger from Kennebunk, Maine, 1814; daybooks of Palatiah A. Piper, general laborer, 1829, and blacksmith Elisha Chapman, 1822; a Boston shipping firm ledger, 1826; and a farmer's ledger belonging to John Wiggins, 1838. Also included are a ledger relating to brick works kept by Charles Dow, Barnstead, New Hampshire, 1849; and an account book for Zaide V. Raynes, general store, Bangor, Maine, 1849.

Later material includes a business ledger for Tarlson's general store, Weirs, New Hampshire, 1898; a large Hudson River Railroad ledger recording ticket sales, circa 1900; a drawing book for F. W. Proctor, 1873; and a scrapbook album with theater playbills, Lynn, Massachusetts, 1870.
Personal writings include an 1870 diary of a schoolboy ("went to school and played marbles"); a diary documenting a 1930 steamship trip in California; and several autograph and friendship albums, including examples dated 1865 (Lewiston, Maine), 1875, and 1929, along with additional albums containing inscriptions and decorative entries.

  • Condition: Condition reports are provided as a courtesy and are intended to offer general guidance only. They are not comprehensive and should not be relied upon as a complete statement of condition. All items are sold as is, and the absence of a condition report does not indicate that an item is free of defects, wear, or restoration. Some condition issues may not be specifically noted and may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which form part of the overall description. Bidders are encouraged to examine items in person or to consult a knowledgeable representative prior to bidding. Please contact us with any questions or to request additional information or images, and refer to the Terms of Sale for full details.

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Items can be picked up in person by appointment only at our gallery at 33 Jewell Court in Portsmouth, NH. Please contact us at least 24 hours in advance of pickup. *All first-time buyers that wish to pick items up in person must pay with cash.

April 25, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Portsmouth, NH, US

Bray & Co. Auctions

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000