Eric P. Newman Collection, Part X

User Collection Public

871 Items

Last Updated: 2022-05-19

Eric P. Newman Collection Part X, sold by Heritage Auctions, November 2018.

Collection Details

Total items: 871
Size: unknown

Works (871)

601. Lot 20139

Description:: St. Louis, Missouri - Land Office/Post Office, "Receive at the Post Office" Uncut Sheet of 50 Cents-75 Cents-25 Cents-12-1/2 Cents Undated (ca. 1818-20s). Remainder. PCGS About New 53 Apparent. A rare uncut sheet with all denominations from the fourth series St. Louis postmaster notes; they differ greatly from the prior ones, which were crudely rendered in comparison. Although the notes appear to have been authorized for the use of Robert Simpson's successor, Aaron T. Crane, they may not have arrived until the final territorial-period and early statehood-era postmaster Elias Rector (1820-1822) served. These were finely engraved and printed from a copper plate (offered in the next lot) by P. Maverick, Durand & Co. (New-York) and succeeded the rudimentary, locally printed notes. Peter Maverick was an exceptional plate engraver with a distinctive style. Cyrus Durand, brother of painter Asher B. Durand, was an engineering genius. His patented spiral lathe work machinery contributed rapidly to the evolution of enhanced security printing technology designed to thwart counterfeiters. This short-lived imprint is rare, but the company did engrave plates for other Missouri Territory period notes (Canfield & Wm. O'Hara & Co.'s Missouri Exchange Bank and St. Louis & Illinois Team Boat Ferry). The notes are not known signed; therefore, we are unsure how long the notes were intended to be issued, if at all, and whether they were used into the statehood period commencing in 1821. Crane died in 1819, and the notes might have been used by his successor Elias Rector. A few years after, small-change notes like this were prohibited by an 1824 legislative act. Each denomination shares a similar layout: the large gray denomination numeral at the center, obligations across, MISSOURI curving above, and ornate lathe work end panels showing LAND OFFICE at left and POST OFFICE at right. Signature space was provided at lower right for the "Post Master" or "P.M.," each styled differently depending upon the denomination. This complete sheet has ample margins all around. Noted with "Small Edge Splits; Minor Mounting Remnants on Back." The individual notes are very scarce, and this is rare as an uncut sheet of all the denominations. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20139, realized $1920.

602. Lot 20138

Description:: (St. Louis, M.T.) � Account Book for Aaron T. Crane from Wm. O'Hara's Missouri Exchange Bank 1819. Very Good. A unique historical record from one the most prominent men of his day in St. Louis, Aaron T. Crane. He was postmaster for St. Louis, a federal appointment, perhaps the most important post office on the frontier. Not much is known of Crane, except he was in office from September 18, 1818, into 1819 when he passed. He was a War of 1812 veteran, but with the exception of his currency notes, few records exist of his specific activities in the area. This account book includes deposits and withdrawals for a relatively short period, (June 9, 1819, until September 13, 1819), at the Missouri Exchange Bank operated without charter by William O'Hara. This was a manufactured account book, with card covers, hand-titled on the face, and with entries made upon its pre-lined pages. 9.5 cm x 16.0 cm. Approximately 21 leaves internally with nine pages accomplished in pen. The front cover is titled in cursive: "A.T. Crane / in acc't / with the /Missouri Exchange Bank." The back cover is penned in mixed fonts, with the top and bottom lines bold and the center in cursive: A. T. Crane, / Missouri Exchange / BANK. Some notations are on the back cover. There is cover surface soiling, and the pages are mostly loose from the primitive binding. Overall in Very Good condition, but this unique artifact was once the property of a historic currency issuer, who recorded his banking transactions at this frontier bank. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20138, realized $240.

603. Lot 20138

Description:: (St. Louis, M.T.) � Account Book for Aaron T. Crane from Wm. O'Hara's Missouri Exchange Bank 1819. Very Good. A unique historical record from one the most prominent men of his day in St. Louis, Aaron T. Crane. He was postmaster for St. Louis, a federal appointment, perhaps the most important post office on the frontier. Not much is known of Crane, except he was in office from September 18, 1818, into 1819 when he passed. He was a War of 1812 veteran, but with the exception of his currency notes, few records exist of his specific activities in the area. This account book includes deposits and withdrawals for a relatively short period, (June 9, 1819, until September 13, 1819), at the Missouri Exchange Bank operated without charter by William O'Hara. This was a manufactured account book, with card covers, hand-titled on the face, and with entries made upon its pre-lined pages. 9.5 cm x 16.0 cm. Approximately 21 leaves internally with nine pages accomplished in pen. The front cover is titled in cursive: "A.T. Crane / in acc't / with the /Missouri Exchange Bank." The back cover is penned in mixed fonts, with the top and bottom lines bold and the center in cursive: A. T. Crane, / Missouri Exchange / BANK. Some notations are on the back cover. There is cover surface soiling, and the pages are mostly loose from the primitive binding. Overall in Very Good condition, but this unique artifact was once the property of a historic currency issuer, who recorded his banking transactions at this frontier bank. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20138, realized $240.

604. Lot 20137

Description:: St. Louis, (M.T.) � Robert Simpson - St. Louis Drug & Medicine Store 50 Cents April 1, 1817. PCGS Very Fine 20 Apparent. Another historic Missouri currency note and extremely early private scrip. It is the only example observed by us and is likely unique. The style of this type is different from the Robert Simpson Post-Office note. Printed on white rag paper, without imprint. In a wider format than the previous, but the style of printing indicates both were printed in the same shop. Top and bottom borders enclose the central vignette of an eagle and shield with "PLURIBUS E UNUM" banner. This bisects the four lines of text with the note payable "... in current bank notes ... at the St. Louis Drug & Medicine store." End panels are also styled similarly, but with the location moved to the left cartouche and the denomination (FIFTY CENTS) moved to the right. The printed date is at the lower left, and "50 C." at the upper right. Hand signed by R. Simpson, with the first two letters a bit blurred. An extraordinary piece with ample paper body and printing clarity. Noted with "Minor Mounting Remnants on Back." A charming rarity of enormous importance to specialists. This will pair admirably with the previous April 1, 1817, Simpson Post-Master note in the next cabinet it graces. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20137, realized $2880.

605. Lot 20136

Description:: (St. Louis, M.T.) � Robert Simpson, P.M. � St. Louis Post Office 25 Cents April 1, 1817. PCGS Fine 15 Apparent. The territorial period private scrip from Missouri is among the rarest in the entire Obsolete Currency canon. Most of the early Missouri scrip was issued through the St. Louis Post-Office and its postmasters. Amazingly, Eric owned three notes from Robert Simpson, the second postmaster and foundational St. Louis scrip issuer. This is an extraordinary Missouri territorial period scrip note and historic document. It is among the earliest St. Louis-vignetted scrip notes and succeeded the first series typeset notes from Simpson, an example of which Eric was fortunate to have (cf. Newman Part VIII: Lot 28346). It is the second earliest St. Louis Post Office currency known and has a nicely penned signature of R. Simpson, postmaster from 1815 to 1818. Simpson was appointed to the position by President Madison and took office on January 1, 1815, the day his brother-in-law, Rufus Easton retired from that post. Easton did not issue any paper scrip to our knowledge. Dr. Simpson, owner of the first drug store in St. Louis (from which he operated the postal service), was one of the directors of the first or "old" Bank of St. Louis, sheriff of St. Louis County, director of St. Louis and Bellevue Mineral Railroad, and treasurer of Boatmen's Bank. According to Stevens, in St. Louis, the Fourth City, page 588, "In his more active years it was said of him that he knew personally everybody living in St. Louis and most of the people in the county." He was succeeded by Aaron T. Crane, whose issued notes from the post office are cataloged in previous Newman Collection sales. Remarkably, this note is a vignetted type. Printed on white rag paper, without imprint. Medium format size, nearly square. At top right, within ornamental borders, is a charming house on a hill; a rudimentary cart is to the left of the door, and a dog sits next to his doghouse to the right. The engraved date is at right above the three-line obligation with the note payable "in current bank notes....at the St. Louis Post-Office." Ornate end cartouches enclose TWENTY-FIVE CENTS left and ST. LOUIS at the right. No. 148. Signed by R. Simpson as "P.M." Wide margined, full all around and untrimmed. Noted with "Small Edge Tears; Stains." Of course, the faults are petty when compared with its likely unique status. Though small in size, it projects mightily, and its remarkable St. Louis historical importance is apparent at first glance. A singular opportunity to obtain a Missouri currency treasure. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20136, realized $3840.

606. Lot 20137

Description:: St. Louis, (M.T.) � Robert Simpson - St. Louis Drug & Medicine Store 50 Cents April 1, 1817. PCGS Very Fine 20 Apparent. Another historic Missouri currency note and extremely early private scrip. It is the only example observed by us and is likely unique. The style of this type is different from the Robert Simpson Post-Office note. Printed on white rag paper, without imprint. In a wider format than the previous, but the style of printing indicates both were printed in the same shop. Top and bottom borders enclose the central vignette of an eagle and shield with "PLURIBUS E UNUM" banner. This bisects the four lines of text with the note payable "... in current bank notes ... at the St. Louis Drug & Medicine store." End panels are also styled similarly, but with the location moved to the left cartouche and the denomination (FIFTY CENTS) moved to the right. The printed date is at the lower left, and "50 C." at the upper right. Hand signed by R. Simpson, with the first two letters a bit blurred. An extraordinary piece with ample paper body and printing clarity. Noted with "Minor Mounting Remnants on Back." A charming rarity of enormous importance to specialists. This will pair admirably with the previous April 1, 1817, Simpson Post-Master note in the next cabinet it graces. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20137, realized $2880.

607. Lot 20136

Description:: (St. Louis, M.T.) � Robert Simpson, P.M. � St. Louis Post Office 25 Cents April 1, 1817. PCGS Fine 15 Apparent. The territorial period private scrip from Missouri is among the rarest in the entire Obsolete Currency canon. Most of the early Missouri scrip was issued through the St. Louis Post-Office and its postmasters. Amazingly, Eric owned three notes from Robert Simpson, the second postmaster and foundational St. Louis scrip issuer. This is an extraordinary Missouri territorial period scrip note and historic document. It is among the earliest St. Louis-vignetted scrip notes and succeeded the first series typeset notes from Simpson, an example of which Eric was fortunate to have (cf. Newman Part VIII: Lot 28346). It is the second earliest St. Louis Post Office currency known and has a nicely penned signature of R. Simpson, postmaster from 1815 to 1818. Simpson was appointed to the position by President Madison and took office on January 1, 1815, the day his brother-in-law, Rufus Easton retired from that post. Easton did not issue any paper scrip to our knowledge. Dr. Simpson, owner of the first drug store in St. Louis (from which he operated the postal service), was one of the directors of the first or "old" Bank of St. Louis, sheriff of St. Louis County, director of St. Louis and Bellevue Mineral Railroad, and treasurer of Boatmen's Bank. According to Stevens, in St. Louis, the Fourth City, page 588, "In his more active years it was said of him that he knew personally everybody living in St. Louis and most of the people in the county." He was succeeded by Aaron T. Crane, whose issued notes from the post office are cataloged in previous Newman Collection sales. Remarkably, this note is a vignetted type. Printed on white rag paper, without imprint. Medium format size, nearly square. At top right, within ornamental borders, is a charming house on a hill; a rudimentary cart is to the left of the door, and a dog sits next to his doghouse to the right. The engraved date is at right above the three-line obligation with the note payable "in current bank notes....at the St. Louis Post-Office." Ornate end cartouches enclose TWENTY-FIVE CENTS left and ST. LOUIS at the right. No. 148. Signed by R. Simpson as "P.M." Wide margined, full all around and untrimmed. Noted with "Small Edge Tears; Stains." Of course, the faults are petty when compared with its likely unique status. Though small in size, it projects mightily, and its remarkable St. Louis historical importance is apparent at first glance. A singular opportunity to obtain a Missouri currency treasure. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20136, realized $3840.

608. Lot 20135

Description:: (Upper Louisiana) - J. H. Hortiz Promissory Note to Rufus Easton for 50 Piasters "in Peltry" St. Louis July 3, 1807. PCGS Very Fine 30 Apparent. The fur trading industry was one of the most important and lucrative businesses in early St. Louis. The Bons and related promissory notes were often payable in beaver pelts or other animal skins. This is another fascinating promissory note, unique and hand-penned, mirroring early frontier finance and St. Louis commerce. The final example of five J. H. Hortiz-accomplished financial instruments in the Newman Collection and, like all of the documents cataloged in these sales, offered at public auction for the first time. These handwritten notes have long been part of the diverse panorama of Missouri currencies and financial documents in the Eric P. Newman Collection. Issuer Joseph Alvarez Hortiz (whose last name is spelled in various ways on the notes and endorsements, here as Horttiz) arrived from Spain in 1753 as a soldier. A well-educated man, he was the secretary for both Governors Trudeau and Delassus. Judge Rufus Easton was appointed the first postmaster of St. Louis in 1805 and as a judge in that same year. "His brother-in-law, Robert Simpson, succeeded him in 1815." Connecticut-born Easton was a Congressional Delegate from the Missouri Territory, and was appointed to the post of attorney general for the state of Missouri in 1821 (bioguide.congress.gov). Hortiz issued the note as payment for Judge Easton's "efforts in the proceedings against Mr. Maclalen [McClelland]".The Missouri Supreme Court Historical Database records an 1807 filing of a case in which "John Hortez" (Hortiz) sued "Robert McClelland" on behalf of his son "Francois Hortez." The case summary notes: Damages $12,000; $7,000 in beads, blankets, whiskey, etc." McClelland was a fur trader. This information illuminates a document already rich with the history of early Missouri. Hand accomplished in French. This promissory note is payable to Rufus Easton for 50 Piastres in peltry, set at a rate of 3 livres per piaster. Laid paper, approximately 20.5 cm x 13.3 cm. In a larger sheet size and similar to other Hortiz documents sold in the Newman Part VIII sale. The document is a little brittle along some edges, with some small pieces off the left end and a partially incomplete letter at the upper left. Noted with "Splits, Tears, and Damage; Repairs at Left." Still, this is unique and payable in peltry, which makes it quite fascinating. A one-of-a-kind historical financial instrument from the Newman Collection. French Transcription: je payerez a l'ordere de Mr. Rufus Easton la somme de Cinquante piastres en pelleterie a raison [a] trois livres par piastres pour ses - peines en la procedure contre Mr. Maclalen; apres le gougement - difinitif de la Court Soupreme; St. Louis 3. juillet 1807 jh Hortiz Translation: I will pay to the order of Mr. Rufus Easton the sum of fifty piasters in peltry at a rate of three livres per piaster for his efforts in the proceedings against Mr. Maclalen; after the final judgement of the Supreme Court; St. Louis July 3, 1807 jh Hortiz Docket Back: 129 [?] Hortiz Bonne 50 piastres Peter & Goude [?] ______________ No. __ 6: __ Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20135, realized $4800.

609. Lot 20134

Description:: (Upper Louisiana) - Registre Loisel Promissory Note for 3250 livres, 18 sols, 1 denier Payable to Auguste Chouteau in Deerskins at 40 sols to the livre St. Louis June 18, 1803. PCGS Extremely Fine 40 Apparent. Alongside the "Bon Scrip," the early St. Louis mercantile class issued larger size, hand-accomplished promissory notes which would be payable in various equivalents to the French-denominated currencies. In some cases, the notes were payable in artisanal labor (such as for fashioning silver spoons; cf. Newman Part VIII: lot 28318), but in this case, the agreement was for the large sum to be paid in deerskins at the rate of 40 sols per livre. The sum of 3,250 livres in deerskins would fill a small building or a portion of warehouse. This significant financial instrument was issued to Auguste Chouteau, the co-founder of St. Louis. Later, Chouteau would be a prominent banker and the signer of the Bank of Missouri territorial period banknotes. Hand accomplished in French. Laid paper, approx. 20.8 x 15 cm. Beautifully penned on a larger sheet, with petty roughness along the top. A piece of glassine on the back is noted as "Tape Repairs at Top." Like all the early Missouri financial documents from the Newman Collection, with unique content and historical significance. This documents an important transaction between two very noteworthy St. Louis citizens. French Transcription: Je payer� � L'ordre de Mr. Augte Chouteau la -- somme de Trois mille deux Cent Cinquante livre dix huit sols, & un deni� argent Courant payable en peux de Chevreuill � quarente sols la Livre, pour valeur Re�ue de mon dit Sr. Chouteau en une -- Balance de Compte Regl� ce jour a St. Louis Le 13me de juin 1803 Regt [Registre] Loisel ____________________ 3250# 18S1d ____________________ Translation: I will pay to the order of Mr. Augte [Auguste] Chouteau the sum of three thousand two hundred fifty livres eighteen sols and one denier of current money payable in deerskins at forty sols to the livre, for value received of the aforesaid Sr. Chouteau in a Balance of today's account at St. Louis the 18th of June 1803 Regt [Registre] Loisel ____________________ 3250# 18S1d ____________________ Docket Back: Billet de Mr. Loisel de 3250:18s1d No __ u 6_ 9 /u Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20134, realized $9000.

610. Lot 20134

Description:: (Upper Louisiana) - Registre Loisel Promissory Note for 3250 livres, 18 sols, 1 denier Payable to Auguste Chouteau in Deerskins at 40 sols to the livre St. Louis June 18, 1803. PCGS Extremely Fine 40 Apparent. Alongside the "Bon Scrip," the early St. Louis mercantile class issued larger size, hand-accomplished promissory notes which would be payable in various equivalents to the French-denominated currencies. In some cases, the notes were payable in artisanal labor (such as for fashioning silver spoons; cf. Newman Part VIII: lot 28318), but in this case, the agreement was for the large sum to be paid in deerskins at the rate of 40 sols per livre. The sum of 3,250 livres in deerskins would fill a small building or a portion of warehouse. This significant financial instrument was issued to Auguste Chouteau, the co-founder of St. Louis. Later, Chouteau would be a prominent banker and the signer of the Bank of Missouri territorial period banknotes. Hand accomplished in French. Laid paper, approx. 20.8 x 15 cm. Beautifully penned on a larger sheet, with petty roughness along the top. A piece of glassine on the back is noted as "Tape Repairs at Top." Like all the early Missouri financial documents from the Newman Collection, with unique content and historical significance. This documents an important transaction between two very noteworthy St. Louis citizens. French Transcription: Je payer� � L'ordre de Mr. Augte Chouteau la -- somme de Trois mille deux Cent Cinquante livre dix huit sols, & un deni� argent Courant payable en peux de Chevreuill � quarente sols la Livre, pour valeur Re�ue de mon dit Sr. Chouteau en une -- Balance de Compte Regl� ce jour a St. Louis Le 13me de juin 1803 Regt [Registre] Loisel ____________________ 3250# 18S1d ____________________ Translation: I will pay to the order of Mr. Augte [Auguste] Chouteau the sum of three thousand two hundred fifty livres eighteen sols and one denier of current money payable in deerskins at forty sols to the livre, for value received of the aforesaid Sr. Chouteau in a Balance of today's account at St. Louis the 18th of June 1803 Regt [Registre] Loisel ____________________ 3250# 18S1d ____________________ Docket Back: Billet de Mr. Loisel de 3250:18s1d No __ u 6_ 9 /u Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20134, realized $9000.