France - WW1 catalogue the Manufrance Company

The Manufrance company was started in 1885, and the first catalogue was published in 1889. This was France’s first mail order company with an annual catalogue, which was known as la Manu. It offered a wide range of products, the most famous being guns, bicycles and sewing machines. Its TSF radio, made in 1930, had an essential role during the German occupation of WW2. Manufrance was a pioneering company, based on a unique business model and, at least for the first half of its existence, was the leader in its field. La Manu pre-dates the American Sears-Roebuck Catalogue, so I assume it’s the oldest mail order catalogue in the world. With the wide range of products on offer each year, it now offers us a unique glimpse into French homes over an entire century