Description:

British Raj
Morvi, India, September 19, 1924
Lakhdhirji Waghji, Future Maharaja of Morvi, Signed 1924 Imperial Bank of India Check, Likely For Infrastructure Improvements
DS

A check issued by the Thakur Sahib (and future Maharaja) Lakhdhirji Waghji (1876-1957) of Morvi, the princely state in northwestern India and former capital of the old state of Gujarat, signed by him in English as "Lakhdhirji" at lower left above the inscription in anther hand: "H.H. the Maharaja Sahib of Morvi." September 19, 1924. Morvi, India. The partly printed and partly manuscript check, number B 96480, directed cashiers of the Imperial Bank of India in Bombay to pay "Messrs. Bird + Co." in the amount of 498 rupees. A red-embossed one anna revenue stamp is located near upper right. Hand-stamped and endorsed verso by an unidentified employee of Bird & Company. Bearing the usual stamped and manuscript cancellation and clerical marks. Expected wear including even toning and isolated minor ink impressions or bleed-through. A tiny sliver of paper appears to be adhered to the top edge at right. Else near fine. 8.25" x 3.875."

Morvi (also Morbi or Morvee) was a princely state that became a British protectorate in 1807, and later merged into the Bombay Presidency, an administrative province of the British Raj. Our signer Lakhdhirji Waghji was part of the Jadeja dynasty of rajputs, and served as Thakur Sahib of Morvi between 1922-1926, and as Thakur Sahib Maharaja between 1926 and Indian independence in 1947. Lakhdhirji Waghji's reign was characterized by many ambitious internal infrastructure improvements, like the construction of roads, railways, and ports. It is probable that this check for 498 rupees was for one of these projects.

"Messrs. Bird + Co." referred to a firm established by brothers Samuel and Paul Bird in Allahabad (today Prayagraj, India) in the mid-1860s. The company specialized as labor contractors and had profitable contracts with coal mining, railroad, and jute-harvesting outfits.

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: 8.25" x 3.875"
  • Medium: DS

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April 23, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$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
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000