1870 Philadelphia Customs House Import Document—Velvet Carpet from Liverpool with Revenue Stamps
An impressive original United States Customs House document recording the importation and release of English velvet carpeting at the Port of Philadelphia in 1870. Headed “Re-Warehouse Withdrawal Entry for Consumption,” this large-format federal customs form was completed on April 2, 1870, for James H. Orme, Son & Co., a prominent Philadelphia carpet concern.
The document traces a bale of velvet carpet comprising 137 square yards. The merchandise had originally arrived at New York from Liverpool aboard the steamship S.S. Colorado on April 5, 1869, before being transported under bond and placed in a Philadelphia customs warehouse. This entry authorized its release into American commerce after payment of the applicable duties.
The carpet was valued at approximately $233 and assessed under two separate tariff provisions: 40 cents per square yard, producing a charge of $54.80, and an additional 35 percent ad valorem duty of $81.55. The total customs duty paid was $136.35—more than half the declared value of the merchandise.
Two canceled 25-cent United States Internal Revenue stamps remain affixed at the upper-left corner beside an attractive engraved harbor vignette. The form contains numerous original manuscript entries, calculations, approvals and signatures, providing a detailed record of the complicated customs system governing imported luxury merchandise during the Reconstruction era.
Date: April 2, 1870
Place: United States Custom House, Port of Philadelphia
Document: Re-Warehouse Withdrawal Entry for Consumption, Form No. 29
Importer: James H. Orme, Son & Co.
Merchandise: One bale of velvet carpet, 137 square yards
Origin: Liverpool, England
Vessel: Steamship Colorado
Revenue stamps: Two canceled 25-cent United States Internal Revenue stamps
Total duty paid: $136.35
Condition: Complete and in good historic condition, with original folds, wrinkling, toning, scattered soiling, edge wear, small marginal tears and heavier creasing near the upper-right corner. Both revenue stamps remain attached, and the manuscript entries are generally bold and legible. Please examine the photograph carefully for condition.
A visually compelling piece of maritime, commercial and Philadelphia history illustrating the journey of luxury goods from Victorian Liverpool into the American marketplace.
An impressive original United States Customs House document recording the importation and release of English velvet carpeting at the Port of Philadelphia in 1870. Headed “Re-Warehouse Withdrawal Entry for Consumption,” this large-format federal customs form was completed on April 2, 1870, for James H. Orme, Son & Co., a prominent Philadelphia carpet concern.
The document traces a bale of velvet carpet comprising 137 square yards. The merchandise had originally arrived at New York from Liverpool aboard the steamship S.S. Colorado on April 5, 1869, before being transported under bond and placed in a Philadelphia customs warehouse. This entry authorized its release into American commerce after payment of the applicable duties.
The carpet was valued at approximately $233 and assessed under two separate tariff provisions: 40 cents per square yard, producing a charge of $54.80, and an additional 35 percent ad valorem duty of $81.55. The total customs duty paid was $136.35—more than half the declared value of the merchandise.
Two canceled 25-cent United States Internal Revenue stamps remain affixed at the upper-left corner beside an attractive engraved harbor vignette. The form contains numerous original manuscript entries, calculations, approvals and signatures, providing a detailed record of the complicated customs system governing imported luxury merchandise during the Reconstruction era.
Date: April 2, 1870
Place: United States Custom House, Port of Philadelphia
Document: Re-Warehouse Withdrawal Entry for Consumption, Form No. 29
Importer: James H. Orme, Son & Co.
Merchandise: One bale of velvet carpet, 137 square yards
Origin: Liverpool, England
Vessel: Steamship Colorado
Revenue stamps: Two canceled 25-cent United States Internal Revenue stamps
Total duty paid: $136.35
Condition: Complete and in good historic condition, with original folds, wrinkling, toning, scattered soiling, edge wear, small marginal tears and heavier creasing near the upper-right corner. Both revenue stamps remain attached, and the manuscript entries are generally bold and legible. Please examine the photograph carefully for condition.
A visually compelling piece of maritime, commercial and Philadelphia history illustrating the journey of luxury goods from Victorian Liverpool into the American marketplace.
