Dublin Trade History · Manuscript Accounts · Irish Fiscal Stamps
At the Dublin Butcher’s Counter — Patrick Heron’s 93-Page Manuscript Account, 1951–1957
Dublin · Patrick Heron butcher’s manuscript account book · 1951–1957 · 93 handwritten pages
Catalogue details
Description
The original burgundy-coloured upper cover names Patrick Heron, High Class Victualler, 66 Upper Dorset Street, Dublin. Patrick Heron is also listed at that address in the Irish government’s Beef Supply (Appointed Area No. 2) Order, 1935. The book therefore has an independently identifiable commercial setting dating back at least to the 1930s. By the period of these accounts the firm appears in the payment stamps as Patrick Heron & Sons Ltd.
- Dimensions
- Measurements gladly provided on request
- Type
- Original manuscript trade account book
- Date
- 1951–1957
- Extent
- 93 handwritten pages
- Place
- Dublin
- Associated name
- Patrick Heron, 66 Upper Dorset Street
- Condition
- Please consult the photographs for condition. Additional photographs are available on request.
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Historical context & sources
Ninety-Three Pages of Everyday Purchases
The account contains a recorded total of 93 handwritten pages. The first dated entries begin 17 February 1951, and dated receipt marks show continued use into 1957. The original entries set out meat purchases such as beef, steak, chops and other cuts, with weights, sums and settlements entered in pre-decimal currency. This is a working household account, not a printed trade catalogue.
Numerous Irish Stamps — Three Identifiable Designs
Numerous original Irish stamps survive affixed to the account pages. The most frequently observed is the green 2d Map of Ireland definitive, accompanied by the 1954 Cardinal Newman and 1957 Tomás Ó Criomhthain commemoratives. Their manuscript cancellations and superimposed commercial payment marks are consistent with apparent fiscal use on receipts. The total quantity of stamps has not been established; no numerical claim is made. The stamps have been left in situ, preserving their documentary relationship to the transactions.
Company Receipt Marks, 1956–1957
At least one rectangular marking reads “PAID with thanks — 1 AUG 1956 — PATRICK HERON & SONS LTD. — 66 UPR. DORSET STREET.” Another photographed mark is dated 13 JUN 1957. These are commercial payment acknowledgements, not proof of postal carriage. Together with the account entries they document how an ordinary Dublin household settled its purchases.
