Description:

Ernest Hemingway Signed & Engrossed Check Endorsed by Hemingway's Cuban Friend & Estate Conservator

A Spanish-language partly printed check boldly signed by American writer Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) as "Ernest M. Hemingway" on the signature line, with other financial details also inscribed in his hand: the date, as "August 31, [19]47"; pay to the order directions, as "Portador," or "Bearer"; and amount, "$350.00" and "three hundred and fifty no/100 pesos" respectively. Endorsed recto by the bearer, Roberto Herrera Sotolongo (died 1970), Hemingway's close friend. The check, serial no. F 723591, was drawn on The First National Bank of Boston at Aguiar y Lamparilla in Havana, Cuba and bears four separate hand stamps in red and purple ink, as well as other clerical marks, such as perforations near the center. Expected wear including flattened folds and a few wrinkles, else near fine. 6.375" x 2.75."

Roberto Herrera Sotolongo was the personal secretary, friend, fishing buddy, and estate executor of Ernest Hemingway's Cuban property, Finca Vigia, or "Lookout Farm," the author's rural retreat in San Francisco de Paula, Cuba. Sotolongo and Hemingway had first met in 1942 when Sotolongo joined Hemingway's submarine patrol crew aboard the "Pilar" during World War II. The pair became good friends while sharing their mutual interests in hunting, fishing, and drinking at their favorite Havana bar, "La Floridita." They also attended bullfights together, and Sotolongo, an avid photographer, captured many photos and movies of all these activities. Hemingway called Sotolongo 'El Monstruo' ["the Monster"], and signed much of his correspondence to Sotolongo as 'Mr. Papa." By the mid-1940s, Hemingway was traveling extensively and for long periods of time, leaving his Cuban home in the hands of Sotolongo.

After Hemingway's 1961 suicide, Sotolongo was appointed to represent Hemingway's affairs in Cuba, including the deeding of his home and its contents to the Cuban people 'as a place of opportunity for wider education and research, to be maintained in his memory.' The property became a museum, and Sotolongo acted as Conservator until his death in 1970.

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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October 18, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
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$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000