Unusual autograph letter, recording the sale of "wines and fruit" brought in from Cape Town on the Cremona in 1852. As the writer notes to their colleagues in London, R. Hovil & Sons, they are able to send net proceeds of almost 500 pounds sterling, an impressive figure.

Unusual autograph letter, recording the sale of "wines and fruit" brought in from Cape Town on the Cremona in 1852. As the writer notes to their colleagues in London, R. Hovil & Sons, they are able to send net proceeds of almost 500 pounds sterling, an impressive figure.

Levick & Piper were an important Sydney retailer, initially on George Street, but later at Pitt Street opposite the old Union Bank, selling everything from mouse-traps to iron-mongery. The company also did a roaring trade in food and wine, importing from all around the world (and developing a relationship with Cape Town in the process).

There is presumably a connection with the 1830s firm of Levick & Younger (of George Street), but the Levick & Piper association dates from January 1849, when James and Joseph Levick went into partnership with Frederick Piper. The firm continued with a flourishing trade and in 1856 expanded to Melbourne, opening an importing warehouse on Flinders Lane. The Sydney business seems to have been wound up in 1857.