American Historical Ephemera and Photography

9 x 6 7/16 in. printed cardstock invitation (light toning from previous storage/exposure to light). Tiffany & Co., ca 1883. Engraving to upper portion features boats passing along the East River beneath the new bridge. Invitation requests the presence of Mr. Walter M. Aikman at the opening ceremonies.

5 9/16 x 8 1/8 in. printed bifolium program (minor toning). [New York]: Eagle Print, 1883. Program outlines the proceedings of the "Opening Ceremonies of the New York and Brooklyn Bridge, Thursday, May 24, 1883," including music and various addresses; describes the arrangements for the dignitaries and groups taking part in the ceremony; and lists the trustees and officers of the New York and Brooklyn Bridge, including Chief Engineer, Washington A. Roebling. 

[With:] Boudoir card featuring a group of 10 men, women, and children relaxing in a wooded area (toning to print, soiling/spotting to mount). Verso bears faded ink inscription reading, "W. M. Aikman Julia Aikman & family." -- Stereoview featuring a group of men, women, and children (possibly the Aikman family) posed at the "Flume House" in Lincoln, New Hampshire (toning and some staining to print, creasing and soiling to mount). New Hampton, NH: H. S. Fifield, 1874. -- Ornate program for the Stamped Ware Manufacturers Association of the United States December Meeting 1881. New York: Dempsey & Carroll [1881]. Cardstock program mounted in 2 pieces to 7 1/4 x 17 1/2 in. satin ribbon. Cardstock features hand painting, applied feathers, and printed text. -- Memorial program honoring the life of Walter Monteith Aikman including tributes from the Sheet Metal Ware Association and the Central Stamping Company. New York: Henry A. Price, ca 1923 (light toning). -- And 4 additional items including Walter M. Aikman's passport, a photograph of Aikman, and others. -- Together, 8 items related to the life and career of engraver and visual artist Walter M. Aikman.

Walter Monteith Aikman (1828-1923) began his career in the sheet metalware industry in 1847, becoming a partner of the firm N. E. James & Co in New York, which would later become the Central Stamping Company in 1886. Aikman served as the company's president from 1886-1922, when he became chairman of the board of directors, a position he held at the time of his death on 6 July 1923.