This bill of exchange was issued in 1858 by Ducherne, Stussy & Co., a prominent trading firm and agent of the Imperial Ottoman Bank in Beirut, Lebanon. Payable to the order of Mr. Sim G. Sina in Vienna, Austria, for the substantial sum of 2,175.24 Florins, the bill represents a significant financial transaction between Lebanon and Austria in the mid-19th century.
Ducherne, Stussy & Co. was a well-established name in Beirut, a key player in the trade networks connecting the Levant to Europe. This firm was particularly involved in trade across the Mediterranean, dealing with various European cities, including Vienna and Trieste. The document showcases the firm’s operations and offers a unique historical insight into the economic and financial connections between the Levant and European powers during that time.
The bill is meticulously handwritten, featuring ornate typography and multiple official stamps and signatures, including few of merchants in Trieste. These attributes authenticate the document, enhancing its historical and collector’s value.
