1903 French Bill of Exchange – J.H. Mosoni & Cie, Lyon

Original French bill of exchange dated 1 July 1903, issued in Lyon by J.H. Mosoni & Cie, a manufacturer specialising in metalwork, lighting equipment and related industrial goods.

This striking early 20th-century commercial document features an exceptionally decorative illustrated letterhead for J.H. Mosoni & Cie, located at 1 Rue Saint-André, Lyon.

The printed heading advertises the company’s activities in tinware and zinc work, copperware, lanterns, polished and nickel-plated fittings for vehicles, and lighting equipment of all kinds.

Particularly attractive is the detailed illustration of the company’s steam-powered factory, accompanied by medal motifs and references to exhibitions and industrial competitions in Lyon.

Completed by hand, the bill was addressed to Salvat Fils in Seyne, Basses-Alpes, a recurring commercial correspondent appearing on several documents from this archive.

Numerous original commercial and banking markings remain visible across the document, including period bank stamps, handwritten endorsements and an original 5-centime French fiscal stamp bearing the company overprint.

The reverse preserves further signatures, endorsements and banking marks, documenting the successive circulation and processing of the bill through the French commercial banking system.

The combination of industrial architecture, decorative typography, manuscript entries and layered banking stamps gives this document particularly strong visual and historical appeal.

A fascinating piece of French banking ephemera and industrial history, ideal for collectors of antique commercial paper, historic financial documents, industrial advertising and illustrated French ephemera.

Details
Origin: Lyon, France
Date: 1 July 1903
Company: J.H. Mosoni & Cie
Address: 1 Rue Saint-André, Lyon
Trade: Metalwork, tinware, zinc work, copperware, lanterns and lighting equipment
Document: Original bill of exchange / commercial draft
Recipient: Salvat Fils, Seyne, Basses-Alpes
Features: Illustrated factory letterhead, medal motifs, handwritten entries, bank stamps, endorsements and fiscal stamp
Language: French
Period: Early 20th century
Dimensions: 27 × 11 cm (10.6 × 4.3 in)

Condition

Very good antique condition with normal signs of age and commercial use, including light toning, handling marks and period annotations. Handwritten entries, banking stamps, endorsements and fiscal markings form part of the document’s original commercial history. Please refer closely to the photographs for condition and details.

Please note: the frame and decorative accessories shown in styled photographs are for display purposes only and are not included in the sale.