The activities of commercial agents based on Hilary Mintz, representing the J. Mintz “Neptun” Iron Casting Factory in Konskie

Abstract

The profession of a commercial agent is relatively young. It was established in the mid-nineteenth century, and at the end of the nineteenth century, its representatives already played important functions as intermediaries between industry and trade, and between wholesale and retail sectors. The text begins with a description of the different attitude of Poles and Jews to trade as a sector of the economy. Then, the author presents the history of the profession of a commercial agent (sales representative, deputy) with the specification of the recommended character traits (and physical conditions) for representatives of this profession. The basis of the main part of the text is the correspondence circulating between the commercial agent Hilary Mintz, who was a permanent representative in Katowice, and the owners of the Iron Casting Factory „Neptun” J. Mintz in Końskie. It is a colorful story about the working conditions of a sales representative, with its splendors and difficulties.