San Francisco, CA
1877
$125.00
Bill of Exchange, Engraved by American Bank Note Company, NY
Castenholz lists only Type F for this design, not Type G.
Red on white paper, dark blue check number and instruction to pay “In Current Funds.” The unused space for an adhesive stamp is a vestige of earlier use of this design before it was printed on stamped paper.
Made payable to N.K. Fairbank & Co. Fairbank was a Chicago based international industrialist who manufactured soap and other products.
Beautiful nautical vignette of an allegorical female figure holding a caduceus, with a globe, documents, books, and a sextant nearby. In the background is a tall ship and a paddlewheel steamer.
Canceled with a “check protector” style punch indicating the whole dollar amount. No creases or cut cancelations. Minors stains are the only flaws and are exaggerated by the backlight of the scanner. The manuscript is actually a bit lighter in person as well, but the red is just as vibrant. A highly impressive financial instrument both in appearance and size: 9.25″ x 4.25″