LOT #43120 |
Sold on Feb 12, 2022 for: Sign-in
or Join (free & quick)
Abraham Lincoln: Handwritten and Signed Check. ...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
Abraham Lincoln: Handwritten and Signed Check. Partially printed check, 7" x 2.5", Springfield [Illinois]; February 4, 1860. The check, drawn on the Springfield Marine and Fire Insurance Company, is printed in blue with an oval framed illustration of a steam train and the printer's imprint of Richards & Smith. The check is made out in Lincoln's hand for $7.40 to the payee, J. H. Adams. Signed, "A. Lincoln."Josias H. Adams (1817-1886) owned the millinery store on the west side of Springfield's public square, facing the State Capitol, at the corner of Spring and College Street. J. H. Adams Company was the oldest dealer in millenary in Springfield, and Lincoln was known to have purchased some of his beaver felt hats there in the 1850s. Just four days after this check was written, Lincoln left for the east coast, where he delivered his momentous Cooper Union Address in New York City on February 27, 1860. The speech at the Cooper Institute catapulted Lincoln to national fame and helped solidify his nomination as the Republican candidate for the presidency in May 1860.
When Lincoln's funeral train returned his body to Springfield in 1865, the businesses of Capitol Square were suitably draped with mourning décor. J. H. Adams' store was among them with "a bust in the window with...a portrait with the motto: 'Our martyred chief.'" [William Turner Coggeshall: Lincoln Memorial: The Journeys of Abraham Lincoln. Columbus: Ohio State Journal, 1865. Page 294.] A truly fascinating document that provides incredible insight into the day-to-day financial transactions of the future president.
Bank-cut "cross-hatch" cancellation crosses the signature at Lincoln's "A," measuring 1". One small hole above Adams' name, which just touches the second "a" of "Adams." Light age-toning with original fold lines and a spindle cancellation to oval illustration at left. The check is housed in a custom clamshell case with blue cloth boards backed in black leather, measuring 12.25" x 10".
Auction Info
2022 February 12 - 13 Lincoln and His Times Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6251 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
February, 2022
12th-13th
Saturday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 28
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,390
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms