NET WHOLESALE PRICE LIST, 1913 [FROM A POPULAR LOUISIANA WHISKEY DISTRIBUTOR]

[Americana]

Monroe, Louisiana: R.P. Webb & Company, Ltd., 1913. Double-sided sheet (8 1/2” x 11”) printed in color, accompanied by an illustrated R.P. Webb mailing envelope.

These scarce ephemeral pieces recall the booming whiskey wholesale business of Rufus Webb (1865-1936), a legend in the Louisiana pre-prohibition whiskey industry. According to local lore, Webb could often be seen sipping whiskey, standing on the bow of a riverboat shooting alligators. The circular lists the wide range of whiskey Webb distributed ranging in price from $2.85 per gallon for Pearl River up to 8-year-old Brook Hill, offered at $6 for four quarts.

Webb was also known as a shrewd marketer. One of his whiskey brands called Post Office incurred the wrath of prohibitionist forces. An advertising circular included a picture of a post office with Uncle Sam smiling and pointing toward the whiskey. It read: “We all have confidence in our great government. We honor Old Glory, the flag of our country, and when we find Uncle Sam’s O.K. and stamp on everything, we have confidence in it.”

Webb used the Monroe Post Office and Southern Railway Express to bring his liquor to customers throughout Louisiana, even in dry parishes. In 1902, he sent a salesman into the dry parish of Winn, where he was arrested while taking orders. His conviction was ultimately overturned by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Webb was also known for packaging his goods in crock jugs and glass bottles. The original stone wear is now highly collectable.

Creasing from prior folds, otherwise in very good condition. Item #79424

Price: $200.00