Description:

George Gershwin
[New York, NY], October 3, 1932
Gershwin, His Drawing With Boldly Signed Check Dated 3 Months After "Cuban Overture" Debut
DS & Original Drawing

A check boldly signed by modern American composer George Gershwin (1898-1937) as "George Gershwin" on the signature line. October 3, 1932. [New York, New York.] Check no. 1690 authorized "The National City Bank of New York" to pay "Di Palma's Fish Market" in the amount of $2.10 from Gershwin's account. Gershwin's signature is unevenly toned, and the "G" of "George" is just touched by a cancellation mark. Otherwise dark and bold. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds, with the usual clerical hand-stamps and perforated cancellation marks. 6.375" x 2.75." The check, in a floating mount, is matted beneath an original pencil drawing of a figure, possibly by George Gershwin, who was known to draw pencil doodles. Unsigned. Hinged at top, unevenly toned, and with wrinkles and a few edge chips, 4" x 5.5." The mat shows some edge darkening and scuffed corners, else near fine. The overall size of the mat is 10" x 12.375" x .125."

George Gershwin bought seafood around the same time of the debut of his latest orchestral work, "Cuban Overture." Inspired by the musical sensations of a February 1932 trip to Havana, Gershwin had composed the work in July and August 1932, originally under the title "Rumba." The piece debuted in front of some 18,000 attendees at New York's Lewisohn Stadium on August 16, 1932. Three months later, on November 1, 1932, the work was again performed at a benefit concert held at the Metropolitan Opera House. There, Gershwin and members of the Musicians' Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble of 200 unemployed musicians laid off during the Great Depression, performed many Gershwin compositions.

Examples of George Gershwin doodle/signature combinations were distributed by Ira Gershwin (1896-1983) and his wife Leonore "Lee" Gershwin (1900-1991) as mementos to George's bereft friends following the composer's sudden death.

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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  • Dimensions: matted: 10" x 12.375" x .125"
  • Medium: DS & Original Drawing

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March 25, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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