Lot 272: A 1907 Cyclists Touring Club Appointment Certificate for Mrs Ann Ayers of Cartmel
A large-format Edwardian printed paper certificate issued by the Cyclists Touring Club (C.T.C.), dated 1907. The document officially appoints a proprietor to provide refreshments and accommodation to club members. The header features the club name in a curved serif font with the founding date 1878 and incorporation date 1887. Below this is a circular insignia depicting a winged wheel with the letters C.T.C. and the club’s London office address at 47 Victoria St., Westminster.
The certificate is made out to Mrs Ann Ayers of Refreshment House, Cavendish Street, Cartmel, who has entered into an undertaking to supply members at fixed rates. A handwritten schedule of prices is included: Plain Luncheon or Supper at 1s. 3d., Plain Tea at 9d., Bed and Breakfast at 3s. 6d., and Inclusive Terms per Day at 4s. 6d. The document bears the printed signature of the Secretary, E. R. Shipton, and the handwritten signature of the proprietor, Ann Ayers.
The right side of the sheet includes a printed specimen of the 1907 Membership Certificate, showing both the front with a winged wheel design and the back with the club’s seal. A handwritten footnote at the bottom right directs communications to W. J. Lightfoot, Lake House, Lytham, the Chief Consul of the County. The entire document is framed by a decorative Greek key border.
Condition report:
The certificate is in fair condition with significant signs of age and wear. There is heavy and widespread foxing (brown spotting) across the entire surface and significant browning/toning of the paper stock (photo 1). The left-hand margin has sustained substantial paper loss, with multiple large tears and frayed edges extending into the decorative border (photo 1). Several prominent horizontal and vertical fold lines are present, consistent with the document having been folded for long periods. There are minor surface creases and small nicks along the top and bottom edges (photo 1).
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