June 27, 1776

This advertisement shows the adaptability of tradesmen in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War. William Martin had been promoting his upholstery work in Philadelphia since the fall of 1770. In his initial advertisements, he noted that he had “served his apprenticeship to Mr. Palmer, of London,” and that, “it being his commencement in business,” he hoped “for encouragement from the gentry, and public in general.” By 1776, he had adjusted his business. He still advertised bed curtains—in the case of this advertisement, a lightly used set of “fashionable Chints Pattern Drapery Four-post Bedstead, and three Window Curtains, fringed—but he also made war materiel. Martin had “Drums of a particular good kind” as well as “camp bedsteads, stools and matresses” available for sale.

The Pennsylvania Evening Post
Printed by Benjamin Towne

To be SOLD at William Martin’s, next the City Vendue Store, Front-street, near Arch-street, a fashionable Chints Pattern Drapery Four-post Bedstead, and three Window Curtains, fringed. As he made them, therefore can give an exact account of their first cost. The above articles have been in use but a short time, and will be sold as reasonable as when materials were at the former lowest rates.

N.B. Said Martin also makes Drums of a particular good kind, all sorts of camp equipage, some Flanders bedticks and good bed bottoms; also camp bedsteads, stools and matresses, &c. &c. &c. He returns his sincere thanks to his employers, and hopes to merit their future recommendation.