Lot 193
Pierce, Franklin (1804-69) 14th President of the United States (1853-57). Partly-printed Autograph Check Signed, 3 1/8x6¾", Washington, 10 May 1853. Written on an account at Withers & Co. and paid to Thomas Noyes of Elmira, N.Y. for ten dollors. This very check is pictured in Charles Hamilton's American Autographs (University of Oklahoma Press, 1983), Volume 2, page 429. There are fewer than three checks signed by Franklin Pierce as President in existence, and this is the finest known. This check has belonged to Charles Hamilton, Dr. Gregory Kadlec, Bruce Gimelson, and the present consignor.
The three Presidents whose checks are most difficult to obtain are Pierce, John Tyler, and Zachary Taylor; Grover Cleveland checks are also difficult to find. Most collections are missing checks by these Presidents; to obtain a check from one of them while in office is even more extraordinary.
President Franklin Pierce is to many just an ineffectual one-term President, a footnote in history. He angered northerners for his expansionist ideas, and southerners because of his anti-slavery sentiments. He has also been blamed, along with his sucessor James Buchanan, for failing to avert the Civil War. Nearly forgotten is the Gadsden Purchase, acquired in 1853 when President Pierce sent James Gadsden to Mexico and had him purchase from Santa Anna 30,000 square miles of land for ten million dollars. This was a crucial element in the formation of our nation's borders; in fact, the final addition to the present-day continental United States.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.
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| Realized $33,350 |
