Description:

Orville Wright
[Dayton, OH], July 20, 1943
Orville Wright Signed Check Paying Longtime Housekeeper
DS

A check boldly signed by intrepid aviator Orville Wright (1871-1948) as "Orville Wright" on the signature line. July 20, 1943. [Dayton, Ohio.] Check number 3229 is inscribed with approximately 12 additional words in the hand of Wright's secretary, Mabel Beck: the amount due, in both written and numerical form; the person to be paid, "Carrie Grumbach"; and part of the date. The partly manuscript and partly printed check directed cashiers of The Winters National Bank & Trust Company to pay Carrie Grumbach, the Wright Family's longtime housekeeper, in the amount of $36.18. Endorsed and hand-stamped verso. Bearing the usual clerical and punch out cancellation marks. A few scattered gentle wrinkles, else near fine. 8.5" x 3." Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Fraser's Autographs (London, England) as well as a Certificate of Authenticity from Todd Mueller Autographs (Colorado Springs, Colorado).

Carrie Kayler Grumbach (1885-1966) was first employed to help the Wright Brothers' sister Katharine with household cleaning and cooking chores in 1900, when she was 14 years old. She remained in the Wright household as housekeeper until Orville's death in 1948.

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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  • Provenance: Certificates of Authenticity from Fraser's Autographs and Todd Mueller Autographs.
  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 3"
  • Medium: DS

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April 23, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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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