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H. H. Tammen Curio Co.

The H. H. Tammen Curio Co. Established 1881. Denver, Colo. [wrapper title].

Denver, Colorado, [ca. 1898]. Chicago Colortype Co. 4to catalog (10.875” x 8.5”), printed wrappers. 16 pp. Numerous illus. Two unused order forms laid in. With the original envelope addressed to J. C. Hegarty of Coalport, Pennsylvania. CONDITION: Very good; moderate wear to envelope; order forms very good.

A well-illustrated catalog advertising the extensive and wide-ranging stock of the Denver-based H. H. Tammen Curio Co.

The front wrapper pictures the company’s trademark (a Native American figurine), seven specimens of agate, and one specimen of tiger eye. Many of the items for sale in this catalog are pictured. These include natural mineral mosaics; mineral cabinets; agates and tiger eye stones; penholders, pencils, and styluses; shoe hooks; sterling silver spoons; agate pocket books and card cases; agate stamp and jewel boxes; opals and other gems; Indian relics; Navajo Indian rugs; Mexican hand-carved leather (chatelaine bags and purses, belts, etc.); Mexican sombreros, zarapes, and linen drawn work; Rocky Mountain souvenirs; Yucca pincushions; India ink burros; rattlesnake neckties, and “books of Rocky Mountain scenery.” Some items are geared toward women (ladies’ agate and tiger eye brooches) as well as children (juvenile mineral cabinets and Rocky Mountain cabinets). 

The catalog concludes with ads for “game heads” of antelope, elk, moose, and sheep (“buffalo heads cannot be had generally”). Prices and dimensions for each item are provided, as well as mail order instructions. One illustration shows the company’s saleroom, brimming with curiosities, and pictures a client and a vendor. Visitors to Denver are invited to call and look over the stock. 

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Harry Heye Tammen (1856–1924) immigrated to Denver in 1880. With business partner Charles A. Stuart, he established H. H. Tammen Curio Co. in Denver in 1881. The company maintained a stock consisting of souvenirs (many sourced from Colorado), color prints, and postcards. For a time, the firm was the state’s largest publisher of postcards. In 1895, Tammen and one Frederick G. Bonfils purchased the Denver Post, which Tammen co-owned until he died in 1924. The H. H. Tammen & Co. stayed in business until the 1950s or ‘60s.

REFERENCES: “H. H. Tammen photographs collection” at History Colorado online.

Item #9190

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