Description:

Andrew & Thomas Carnegie 1870 Signed Check- Scarce Example From the Beginning of the "Steel Era"

Signed check, measuring 2.75" x 7.25", dated January 7, 1870, Philadelphia, PA. Check no. 262 from the Central National Bank of Philadelphia, paying to the order of Andrew Carnegie a sum of nine thousand five hundred and sixty-five dollars and 92 cents. Endorsed on verso with a rare early signature as "A Carnegie" (written in later examples with full name "Andrew"), and below by his brother and business partner, "Tho. M. Carnegie". Features 2 bank cancellation punctures to the right side, not affecting text. Minor soiling to front left side with some ink smudging and darkened handling marks throughout. An overall fantastic example from the brother's early days in the steel industry.

While small-scale ironworks were established in America before the Civil War, the steel industry did not gain full prominence until the 1880s amid the railway boom. Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) was among one of the early proponents of industrialism, getting his start in 1853 as the personal secretary to Thomas A. Scott of the Pennsylvanian Railroad Company. His younger brother, Thomas (1843-1886), would follow suit in 1859. By 1864, having slowly built the foundations of his fortune, Andrew would notably found the Keystone Bridge Company and appoint Thomas as the company's treasurer, a position he held until his death. Indeed, it was likely during this time with Keystone Bridge that the two signed this early check. Perhaps their most famous project was the construction of the Eads Bridge (between 1867-1874) which was built over the Mississippi River connecting the cities of St. Louis, MO and East St. Louis, IL. The early 1870s also marked an important time for Thomas' career in steel as well, having constructed the company's first blast furnace, which was able to refine and produce more tons iron than ever before.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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March 15, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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$100 $299 $20
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