DRAPS. Lot n° 96

Livre de raison of a cloth merchant from Limoux (Aude). [Circa 1758-1793]. In-folio of 203 ff, fawn basane (Binding of the time). This book lists the debts and assets of a cloth merchant in Limoux, a business initially involving at least two members of the Delcassé family, still active in the 19th century. Apparently, the business progressed quite rapidly in the first 30 pages, both in terms of the number of entries and the density of each one, with the pages almost always being completely filled. The clientele is quickly loyal and extensive: in addition to important buyers from Lyon, who ensure a large part of the business, others from Marseille (and Provence), we note Toulouse, Carcassonne (and the Aude), all of Languedoc, Pau, Perpignan, Pamplona, etc. The expression "in town" is put for Limoux, where one finds many private individuals including notables, other merchants, manufacturers, and some institutions or legal entities such as the departments of Aude and Tarn, the Commune of Limoux, the Volunteers of Limoux, the Battalion n°8 of the Dept. of Aude. Among the goods are (subject to legibility) pieces of mountain cloth, Limoux, terry cloth, Rouen; bales of washed wool, Spanish wool, Provence washed wool, black lancividum, Burel (Burelle); Londrins bales, bales of silver cochineal, selvage blanc de rame, Delmas Carla sheets, Holland style pieces. The dates written on the left page are those of the due date, they are to be taken to the nearest two years (on average). The very last sheets are dated according to the revolutionary calendar. Leaves 36 and 36 bis are blank: an interruption probably linked to the departure (or death) of a partner, as no. 38 is entitled "Nouvelles affaires du seul compte de Delcassé Lainé (sic) sous la raison ordinaire de J. Pierre Delcassé" (the only indication that makes it possible to attribute this document). On the other hand, in 1806 or 1808 (?) a different hand added some genealogical notes on the Delcassé family, most of them later than the writing. No title leaf. Probably one or more leaves are missing at the beginning. The first cover bears the handwritten title "Grand Livre" and some illegible word remains. Occasional foxing at the bottom of the book and in the margins; some scattered foxing, a few ink stains in the margins, sunned and foxed edges; protruding quires. Binding in mediocre condition, a little tired near the first board, uniformly rubbed or spotted, with large tears.