[Rarebooks] FS: Fake Jewelry Scams in 1903 Little Italy, NY

[Joslin Hall Rare Books]

TITLE: “The “Fake” Instalment Business”

By Henry R. Mussey.
Published in New York by The University Settlement Society in 1903.

DISCUSSION: “Being an outline of its development, an account of the
revival of imprisonment for debt and of the other outrages practiced by
dealers under cover of the law, together with suggestions for the
destruction of the ‘fake’ trade”.

A study of the so-called “fake” trade -a trade which, according to the
author, flourished exclusively in New York’s East Side Italian immigrant
community. Poor immigrants were sold “gewgaws” and jewelry at
“outrageously inflated” prices, often 10 to 20 times what the objects were
worth, and signed a draconian contract for installment payments. The
corrupt dealer then arranged for them to miss a payment and would
immediately demand full payment of the balance. If the immigrant could not
borrow enough from friends to pay, a corrupt policeman would arrest him,
at which point he would either pay up or be sent to what amounted to
debtors prison until his friends and family finally settled the bill. The
author also includes proposed legislation to correct this scam. This study
was reprinted in 1936, and neither printing is common.

DESCRIPTION: Softcover. 5.5”x9”, 45 [1] pages.

CONDITION NOTES: In a poor condition, ex-institutional, completely
disbound with the pages and front cover all loose, and rear cover missing.
In addition the paper is very brittle and the pages and cover are
chipping. For all this, a very scarce item in any condition.

PRICE: $85.00

PICTURES =>

<http://www.joslinhall.com/images360/th-36221-cover2.jpg>
<http://www.joslinhall.com/images360/th-36221-cover.jpg>

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