1897 BILL OF EXCHANGE issued by SCIAMA & CO, PORT ELIZABETH in the amount of £1684 drawn on their London office. Cape QV revenues on reverse. An uncommon commercial debt instrument issued by an independent (non-banking) house. Some folds as per scans, scarce piece. Ex van Puyenbroek. SCIAMA & Co was a prominent merchant and trading firm based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa during the 19th century. The firm was founded by two brothers, Aaron and Joseph Sciama, who arrived in Port Elizabeth from England in the early 1800s. They initially started a small trading operation, but eventually expanded into various industries such as shipping, import/export, and finance. The company became one of the largest and most successful firms in Port Elizabeth during this time, with operations extending throughout South Africa and overseas. The firm faced financial difficulties in the late 1800s, and eventually went bankrupt in 1897.
