The company was first established in 1780 by two brothers in the heart of London who established a shop at No.10 Old Jewry. In 1841 the company had to move to larger premises which were located in Cripplegate and in 1862 they had to move yet again to Bishopsgate in London.
By July 1887, the company was producing sports catalogues.
A Gentleman enters Piggott’s shop in 57, 58 & 59, Bishopsgate Street, London. He looks at the company’s hardback catalogue, but at 263 pages, covering an extremely wide range of products, he is somewhat befuddled. A conversation is overheard.
“Good morning”
“Good morning, Sir. Can I help you?” the assistant replied.
“Well, thank you. I am interested in the purchase of a hammock.”
“Come this way to our tent department, please, Sir . . . . We have our selection here.”
“We have three ranges. The white cotton twine hammocks come in six sizes. We also sell Mexican Grass Hammocks, but these are extra large. Them we have The Pocket Ashantee range. We stock three sizes of this.”
“If I may say so, Sir, you are a little taller than average . . . . I will measure you so we may be both safe and sure . . . . um, as I thought the 10 ft. version will be too short, so you should try the 11 ft. or even the 111/2 ft.. You will sleep well in either, Sir”, the assistant advised, adding; “The 11 ft. is 10s. 6d. but it does come with a carrying case. The whole thing weighs around 21/2 lbs.”
“Will you be trekking, Sir?”
“Yes I will be exploring, hoping to make the Rann of Kutch by February. I have lined up a couple of guides, strong enough to carry my wife, who is not taking her horse with her this time. Ah, I see the set up here in your catalogue.”
“Then with respect, The Ashantee is for you, Sir. As for slinging, given two trees about 12 ft. apart the job is conveniently done. We do sell a Patent Trestle Slinging Apparatus at 23s. 6d., . . . . regard it as an investment in your well-being, Sir, . . . . but I can tell that you are not convinced.”
“We expect to be fully laden, is there an alternative.”
“Well, yes there is. The Ashantee comes with two large screw hooks. You can sling one end of the hammock over a chair and the other over, say, a table and attach to the hooks screwed into the floor. You have wooden floors, Sir? Then practise in your living room before you set out.”
“Thank you!”