Hirsbrunner & Co - Tientsin - 1907
Victoria Rd, British Concession.
This handsome Edwardian brick commercial building is a bit of a mystery but I believe that I have cracked its history. It features on many old Tientsin photos as it is adjacent to the popular Astor House Hotel (see my photo at www.flickr.com/photos/23268776@N03/5223323583) and directly opposite Gordon Hall, the centre of British life in the city. Fellow flickrite China Postcard has such a photo at www.flickr.com/photos/china-postcard/3435052361 .
Given its immediate proximity to the hotel, my conclusion is that it is the premises of Hirsbrunner & Co, General Storekeepers, Tailors and Gentlemen's Complete Outfitters, Watchmakers and Jewellers, Wine and Provision Merchants. Both the 1908 "China Times Guide to Tientsin" (by Mrs Burton St John) and the 1907 "Astor House Hotel's Guide to Tientsin" carry advertisements for the company with the caption, "Next to Astor House Hotel". Amongst other things that the company handled were:-
"Portmanteaus, Hand-bags, Courier-bags, Steel-Trunks, Despatch-Boxes, Cash-Boxes, Binoculars, Gold, Silver and Nickel Spectacles, Pince-nez, Sun and Dust Spectacles, Gold and Silver Jewellery, Watches, Bracelets, Rings, Brooches, Charms and Chains, Dress Shirts, Collars and Ties, Hats, Caps, Panamas and Straw Hats in Great Variety, Gloves, Socks, Handerkerchiefs, Braces, Belts, Garters, Suspenders, Clips, Sleeves, Links and Studs, Underclothing for all Seasons, Cigar and Cigarette Cases in Great Variety, Card Cases, bags and Tobacco Pouches."
Hirsbrunner & Co had started business in the 1870s in Canton and had later opened branches in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tientsin. It was the China agent for a plethora of European manufacturers including those selling wines and spirits. An earlier advertisement in 1904 had given its Tientsin address as Rue de France and Rue du Consulat in the French Concession so I am dating the building 1907 when it first appears in the 1907 "Astor House Hotel's Guide to Tientsin".
Hirsbrunner & Co - Tientsin - 1907
Victoria Rd, British Concession.
This handsome Edwardian brick commercial building is a bit of a mystery but I believe that I have cracked its history. It features on many old Tientsin photos as it is adjacent to the popular Astor House Hotel (see my photo at www.flickr.com/photos/23268776@N03/5223323583) and directly opposite Gordon Hall, the centre of British life in the city. Fellow flickrite China Postcard has such a photo at www.flickr.com/photos/china-postcard/3435052361 .
Given its immediate proximity to the hotel, my conclusion is that it is the premises of Hirsbrunner & Co, General Storekeepers, Tailors and Gentlemen's Complete Outfitters, Watchmakers and Jewellers, Wine and Provision Merchants. Both the 1908 "China Times Guide to Tientsin" (by Mrs Burton St John) and the 1907 "Astor House Hotel's Guide to Tientsin" carry advertisements for the company with the caption, "Next to Astor House Hotel". Amongst other things that the company handled were:-
"Portmanteaus, Hand-bags, Courier-bags, Steel-Trunks, Despatch-Boxes, Cash-Boxes, Binoculars, Gold, Silver and Nickel Spectacles, Pince-nez, Sun and Dust Spectacles, Gold and Silver Jewellery, Watches, Bracelets, Rings, Brooches, Charms and Chains, Dress Shirts, Collars and Ties, Hats, Caps, Panamas and Straw Hats in Great Variety, Gloves, Socks, Handerkerchiefs, Braces, Belts, Garters, Suspenders, Clips, Sleeves, Links and Studs, Underclothing for all Seasons, Cigar and Cigarette Cases in Great Variety, Card Cases, bags and Tobacco Pouches."
Hirsbrunner & Co had started business in the 1870s in Canton and had later opened branches in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tientsin. It was the China agent for a plethora of European manufacturers including those selling wines and spirits. An earlier advertisement in 1904 had given its Tientsin address as Rue de France and Rue du Consulat in the French Concession so I am dating the building 1907 when it first appears in the 1907 "Astor House Hotel's Guide to Tientsin".