1923 Bouhon Frères Saddlery Invoice – Selys Longchamps Archive

Original 1923 Belgian saddlery and leatherwork invoice from Bouhon Frères in Liège, addressed to Baron Edgard de Selys and accompanied by its original stamped envelope.

This attractive commercial document was issued by Bouhon Frères, a long-established Liège business described on the letterhead as a Fabrique Générale de Sellerie, founded in 1820 and located at 39 Rue André-Dumont, Liège.

The printed heading advertises a wide range of specialist goods and services, including:

• saddlery
• hunting and travel articles
• trunks and luggage
• driving gloves
• a special workshop for automobile accessories

Dated 31 December 1923, the handwritten invoice concerns the repair of a hunting game bag / carnassière.

The work appears to include the fitting of two new sliders, a new shoulder strap, partial re-edging and additional sewing repairs. The account also includes carriage / express delivery charges.

Two original Belgian fiscal revenue stamps remain attached to the invoice, adding strong period and documentary interest.

The matching original envelope is printed:

Bouhon Frères
Fabrique de Sellerie et Maroquinerie
39 Rue André-Dumont
Liège

It retains its original Belgian postage stamp and postal cancellation and is handwritten to:

Monsieur le Baron Edgard de Selys
Ciney

Together, the invoice and envelope provide a fascinating glimpse into Belgian saddlery, hunting equipment, leather craftsmanship and aristocratic household purchases during the early 1920s.

Included

• Original Bouhon Frères invoice
• Two original Belgian fiscal stamps attached to the invoice
• Original stamped and postmarked company envelope

Dimensions

• Invoice: 28 × 21.5 cm
• Envelope: 15 × 12.5 cm

Condition

Original antique documents showing normal age-related wear, including folds, light toning, minor marks and edge wear. The envelope shows postal wear and small imperfections consistent with its age and use.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.

Date: 1923
Origin: Liège / Ciney, Belgium
Language: French
Original documents — not reproductions.

Provenance

From The Selys Longchamps Archive, a group of original early 20th-century letters, invoices, receipts and commercial papers connected with members of the Selys Longchamps family.

Together, these documents offer a glimpse into the family’s private, commercial and estate-related correspondence.