"Lake Flies 1-6" 

 This small chromolitho- graph plate of fishing flies was included as an illustration in Charles F. Orvis's, Fishing with the Fly, Sketches by Lovers of the Art. Published in Boston in 1898 the volume was one of the many items marketed by the nation's oldest mail order company. The Orvis Company began offering fishing products for sale via the US mail in 1856. Charles Orvis and his brother Franklin were accomplished both in business, engineering and sport. They had opened hotels in Vermont next to railroads which would bring visitors to Vermont. Promoting the resort, tourist business was important to Charles in the marketing of his fishing tackle products. By 1856 Charles was able to turn his fly fishing hobby into a viable business as affluent sportsmen generated repeat orders by mail.

7 1/2" x 5 1/2" chromolithograph. Excellent condition.