The practice seems to have existed since at least the 14th century, initially focusing on the buying and reselling of swords and horses before expanding into other goods, including wooden boxes and pedestals, dried or otherwise non-perishable food items, and ink sticks. | The practice seems to have existed since at least the 14th century, initially focusing on the buying and reselling of swords and horses before expanding into other goods, including wooden boxes and pedestals, dried or otherwise non-perishable food items, and ink sticks. |