Perkinpine & Higgins, Philadelphia

The firm of Higgins and Perkinpine was established in 1852 by George Perkinpine and Rev. Solomon Higgins. In 1858 the firm name changed to Perkinpine & Higgins. Charles W. Higgins, Solomon's son, joined the company in 1862 when his father retired.

In the latter years the house was no longer a publisher but rather a bookseller. Perkinpine retired in 1909 and died in 1913. Higgins sold his book store business in 1914 to the Philadelphia Conference Tract Society. He died shortly thereafter in 1914.

Addresses
1854-1856 No. 40 North Fourth Street
1856-1872 No. 56 North Fourth Street
1872-1877 830 Arch Street
1877-1909 914 Arch Street

This firm published a number of series for juveniles. They are listed here.

Dating the books exactly can be a challenge. There are several methods to help. Since most of the books are not dated, only the title page address is an absolute approximate dating method.

The rest of the rules are mostly helpful if one is comparing books.
Checking the pictures shown on the specific book series site can help to determine where the book in hand fits in chronologically.

1. Note the address on the title page. All of the series books state No. 56 Fourth Street (1856-1872) or 830 Arch Street (1872-1877).

The next points apply to some series and not others.

2. Regarding the No. 56 North Fourth Street: Books that have the embossed "P & H" initials or a black line drawn decoration on the cover are later than books without it.

3. Regarding the No. 56 North Fourth Street: The embossed "P & H" cover initials that are diagonal are on earlier books. The initials are vertically straight on later books.

Diagonal	Vertical

4. Regarding the No. 56 North Fourth Street: The latest books at that address have the "P & H" stamped on a black background. There are various black line drawn cover decorations.