LOT #43268 |
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Benjamin Franklin: Ledger, Check, and Currency....
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Sold on Jun 11, 2022 for:
$52,500.00
Bid Source: Live: Phone bidder
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Description
Benjamin Franklin: Ledger, Check, and Currency. (1) This 4.375" x 7.125" ledger bears the prestigious name "Benjamin Franklin Esq." across the front. Spread across two pages is the title "Dir[ected] Bank of No.[rth] America in acco[unt] with his Excell[enc]y Benj.[amin] a. Franklin Esqr...," possibly in the hand of William Temple Franklin. Almost all thirty pages are titled in a similar manner, the bank and date at the top of each left page and Franklin's name titling the right. Filled with dates, surnames, and sums, many respected and well-connected family names appear listed in these pages, including "Bache" and "Hall," possible identities of persons Richard Bache, the next postmaster general after Franklin and husband of Sarah Franklin, and David Hall, the printer and business partner of Benjamin Franklin. Also appearing in the ledger is the full name of "Abraham Markoe," a Danish businessman who actively supported American independence and founded the Philadelphia Light Horse, also known as the First City Troop. His niece would marry Benjamin Franklin Bache. Due to the fact this ledger's documentation begins in 1785 and ends in the spring of 1790, we find it worth considering that this ledger may have organized donations toward the construction of Philosophical Hall for the American Philosophical Society, founded by Benjamin Franklin. The binding thread remains at the spine, and the pages are between two stiff paper wrappers. An article on "Rare and Interesting Relics" has been pasted to the inside of the front cover. The pages exhibit toning, some light chipping at the edges, and minor warping. Very few of the pages have separated from their binding, and page thirty has minor loss at the edge. Expected light soiling and stray ink marks are throughout, with a few possible stains. Considering its age, this piece is in wonderful condition, and the ink remains bold. (2) The check reads, "Cashier of the Bank of N.A./ Pay to Mr. Richard Bache or Bearer, Two hund[re]d Thirty two...Dollars...Henry Hill...of the Will of Dr. Franklin." It measures 6.875" x 1.875" and the ink remains dark. The paper exhibits toning and the edges are a little rough and uneven. The bottom left corner has light loss, and a hole can be seen below "Pay." Two clean cuts in the shape of crosses are toward the center. In overall great condition. (3) The 2.5" x 1.75" "3 pence" piece of currency on one side is on paper with a marbled red, gold, and green design. It reads "Printed by B.F. Bache" above an artfully spelled "Philadelphia." The other side reads, "Three Pence Specie/ The President, Directors and Company of the Bank of North America promise to pay to the Bearer, on Demand, Three Ninetieths of a Dollar. August 6, 1789/ C/ Tench Francis, Cashier..." The edges are uneven, and the paper has some toning with light staining toward the edges. In overall lovely condition. Included with these items is a letter from the vice president of the Bank of North America, Richard S. McKinley, sent January 12, 1923 to Mr. Fred P. Washburn on "Bank of North America" stationery. He states the bank has retained its own deposit ledgers and that the account shown in Washburn's ledger was closed May 13, 1790. The letter has very light toning and is in great condition.Auction Info
2022 June 11 - 12 Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6254 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2022
11th-12th
Saturday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 785
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.
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