Help appreciated with 1873 occupation

[Geoff-E]

It appears that Chince may be a fabric.  Whether or not it is simply an alternative spelling of Chintz, I've no idea.

[sami]

Wondered if it could be - Chair Merchant

.....the 'h' in Chair is not connected properly.

sami

[Ruskie]

I can see both Chintz and Chair now you mention those suggestions.

Maybe a misspelling/alternative - "Chinz" as there does not appear to be a t in the word? Maggie suspected it may be a mill related job, so depending what kind of mill, then Chinz might fit it with that?

[fifer1947]

Could it be CHEESE Merchant?

[Gardener]

Picking it apart I get China Merchant

[MaureeninNY]

Could it be CHEESE Merchant?

I agree-but-it's that one dot that throws me off.

Maureen

[Bookbox]

Picking it apart I get China Merchant

I agree -- China Merchant.

[MaureeninNY]

But where's the "a" on the end? Those swirly bits belong to the next capital letter- "M" in most cases
don't they?
Would be funny if that isn't a "C".

Maureen

[Bookbox]

But where's the "a" on the end?

If you trace each letter out carefully, I think you'll find the 'a' is there, though the bottom is missing (broken penstroke). The rest of its shape compares well with the 'a' in Merchant. Just my view