Description:

London Jack 1876 - 1916 Jack London writes a check to Alexander Young Cafe. Encapsulated PSA/DNA graded 10!
PSA/DNA encapsulated signed check. Graded GEM - MT 10. Signed "Jack London", drawn on The Bank of Hawaii, Ld., dated "July 14, 1915" and made payable to the "Alexander Young Cafe" for "$1.55", also written as "One 55/100" Dollars. Measures 6.5" x 2.75". Verso stamped Alexander Young Caf̩ and endorsed by the Cashier. For Deposit with Bishop & Co. To The Credit of Alexander Young Hotel ..."Small pinhole in the middle of the check, with the cancellation stamp lightly over a small area of the signature.


Located in the center of downtown Honolulu, The Alexander Young Caf̩ was a dining hot spot and was part of the 300 room Alexander Young Hotel. The date of his cancelled check is only 13 years after Jack London saw his first significant success as a writer. However his meteoric rise to fame had an earlier humble beginning fraught with poverty. London had almost abandoned his writing career along the way until his first break, and ultimately in 1903 he sold The Call of the Wild to The Saturday Evening Post for $750, and the book rights to Macmillan for $2,000. Macmillan's promotional campaign propelled it to swift success.

In common with his literary life, London's personal life had its ups and downs. Jack divorced his first wife, remarried and then with his new wife, Charmian Kittredge, ventured on numerous trips to Hawaii. Many of London's stories are based on these visits where he met with Duke Kahanamoku, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole, Queen Lili‰Û÷uokalani and many others, before returning to his ranch in July 1916. The Alexander Young CafÌ©, being a Honolulu hotspot was quite likely where he would have met with his personal and business acquaintances.

A scarce example of a signed check by Jack London, with a fascinating past!

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