History's Best Selling Products of 1894

Hats off to 1894! Few items commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Barbour. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Wealth Against Commonwealth and essential classics, consumers eagerly embraced the swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Barbour and Henry Demarest Lloyd set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Barbour (company)

   Released in 1894 by Barbour, John Barbour

   The Barbour brand, founded by John Barbour in 1894 in South Shields, England, swiftly became synonymous with superior outdoor protection, particularly through its iconic waxed cotton jackets. Initially, the company's robust oilskins and outerwear were designed to meet the rigorous demands of fishermen, sailors, and dock workers facing the harsh North Sea climate. Its immediate success stemmed from an uncompromising commitment to quality and practicality, offering unparalleled durability and weather resistance that quickly earned the trust of its working-class clientele and set the foundation for its enduring legacy as a global heritage brand.

2. Wealth Against Commonwealth

   Released in 1894 by Henry Demarest Lloyd, Harper & Brothers

   Published in 1894, "Wealth Against Commonwealth" emerged at a critical juncture in American history, as the Gilded Age's industrial expansion raised widespread concerns about the unchecked power of corporate trusts. This landmark book became one of the first comprehensive and systematic exposés of corporate corruption and monopolistic control, particularly targeting John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company. Its release was foundational in shaping public discourse around industrial power, illustrating the urgent need for governmental intervention to protect the public interest. The book's meticulous research and compelling arguments set a precedent for future investigative journalism and significantly influenced the burgeoning Progressive movement.