Physical description

The Ironmonger Diary 1894 is a hard covered book bound book with gold lettering on the front cover and spine. The front cover includes an index to the information inside. It is titled on top of the inner pages "The Ironmonger Diary and Text Book".
The inner pages contain blank diary pages, two weeks to an opening, with a light weight, blank pink page between the weeks. There are also Cash Book pages. The front and back sections of the diary contain product advertisements for ironmonger's wares, hardware, household goods, farm machinery, bicycles and even some clothing. There are Tables of measurements, a green-aged section called Classified List of Trade Marks and Brands, The Buyer's Guide and a list of Hallmarks on Plate (such as gold) identifying the years of manufacture.

Publication type

non-fiction

Inscriptions & markings

Pencilled letters on the Hallmarks on Plate page beside some of the letters, identifying the letter on the Hallmark.
On the cover is also stamped in gold lettering "OFFICES: 42 CANNON ST, LONDON. E.C./MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA"

Summary

The 1894 edition of The Ironmonger Diary is not a personal, handwritten journal, but rather a highly specialized, annual commercial trade publication and desk reference book. It was published by The Ironmonger, the premier British trade journal for the hardware, metallurgical, and tool-making industries during the Victorian era. It served a dual purpose: part practical office desk calendar and part comprehensive trade directory. It was engineered to be the ultimate daily companion for anyone buying, selling, or working with metal goods.