Description:

John Jacob Astor ANS Confirming Receipt "on Acct. of Furs"

A piece of paper engrossed on both sides by eight New York City merchants and businessmen, including American fur trader John Jacob Astor (1763-1848). Astor inscribed over 30 words in his own hand in the very first entry, confirming receipt of payment from Benjamin Wilson as, "Recd 7th Decr 1811 of Benj. Wilson Nine hundred / thirty nine Dollars + sixty three Cents on Acct. of Furs / sold by Ja. Dilworth + Co. / John Jacob Astor / $939.63." Expected light toning, edge darkening, and minor chipped edges, else near fine. 7" x 9."

Benjamin Wilson paid off debts to eight creditors between December 7 - 31, 1811, among them John Jacob Astor, Jacob Myers, John Byrne, Liberty Broswire [?] Collz, Bernard Rooney, James McMannus, William Greble, and Christopher Walsh. The debts were incurred by purchasing products and trade goods such as furs, brandy, boots, and shoes, and also for services such as cooperage for sugar barrels and bricklayer's work. Wilson's largest payment was to John Jacob Astor; $939.63 in 1811 was the equivalent of over $19,000 in 2021 currency!

John Jacob Astor, America's first millionaire, was a German immigrant who made a fortune in the fur trade, illegal opium trade, and real estate. Capitalizing on the fur craze of the late eighteenth century, Astor procured furs from the Great Lakes region, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest and transported them directly to European and Chinese markets. Astor established the American Fur Company in 1808, and several years later sponsored the Astor Expedition to the Pacific Northwest (1810-1812). Astor's primary West coast trading post, Fort Astoria in modern-day Oregon, was established just eight months earlier, in April 1811.

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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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
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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
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
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$50,000 + $5,000