very rare early twentieth century “building materials catalogue” no. 308 published for chicago millwork supply co., “ america’s greatest sash and door house”, chicago, il. the softcover mail order catalog illustrates and describes 8,000 items, including prefabricated homes, hardware, plumbing, fixtures, sewing machines, hand bags, and home furnishings, all sold wholesale direct from manufacturer. there are 224 pages of black and white text and images, with an order form and index, and a typewritten sales pitch addressed to “mr. home builder” tipped in at the front. no exact date is listed for its publication, but it would seem to be sometime between 1913-1922. the catalog is in fragile condition, but binding is still tight and most of the catalog remains legible. there is rubbing and tearing to the cover, and the spine is deteriorated so that the back cover is tenuously attached. extensive water damage effects the bottom front-edge, primarily in the first half of the catalog, causing some pages to be severely torn or stuck together. a resource for information on the american economy and consumer choices in the early 20th century. measures 8 ½ x 11 ½ inches.