2007 was a banner year for auctions hosted by R.M. Smythe & Co. with record prices achieved In 2007 R.M. Smythe hosted six major auctions and set record prices for historical autographs, currency, coins, stocks bonds and antiques
sheet of the first run of this series. A wonderful addition to any great collection of U.S small size currency.
Sale #272 - Lot#2501- Presale Estimate $25,000 and Up - Final Bid $52,500
$1000. A. T-1. Cr.1. No.88. PF-1. John C. Calhoun, states-rights advocate, left. Andrew Jackson, right. A crisp, bright, and remarkably vivid example that was purchased in 1987 from our auction of Dr. Douglas Ball's personal collection. Described by Dr. Ball as "EF, plus, cut cancelled."
According to the 1987 description, on the back there were two lightly pencilled notations, stamp hinges behind the cancellation, and an inconsequential water stain, but these have all been professionally removed. Hauntingly attractive, with the full eye appeal of an Uncirculated example. The cancellations were done so neatly that they are virtually undetectable from the front, and the paper quality is just extraordinary. No folds are apparent. The signature of Clitherall is boldly executed. The Elmore signature is a bit lighter. This is a note that would fit nicely into almost any museum quality collection of CSA paper money. Ex Phillip H. Chase, Dr. Douglas Ball, and Frederick Mayer. You can't ask for a more impressive provenance! Far superior to the one we just sold in our April 2007 Western Reserve Historical Society Sale, described as " VF, CC" which brought $30,000. VF, CC. Ironically, the very first Confederate paper money was engraved and printed by the National Bank Note Company, in New York City. Shortly after the notes were ordered and delivered, hostilities broke out at Fort Sumter, and Federal Marshals moved in to the National Bank Note Company's offices and confiscated the printing plates.The $1,000 notes were signed by Alexander B. Clitherall as Register and Edward Elmore as Treasurer. The fiery Mr. Elmore was not a man to be trifled with. Mr. Daniels, the publisher of a Richmond newspaper, wrote an article claiming that Elmore was a heavy gambler who was embezzling large sums from the Treasury. Elmore immediately challenged Daniels to a duel and shot him! Of the 607 $1,000 Montgomery notes issued, Approximately 116 are known, 9 in Uncirculated condition, and two of those are cancelled. Perhaps a third of the survivors are virtually unobtainable, locked away in public and private institutions.
Sale # 272 - Lot#2521 - Presale Estimate $7,500 to $15,000 Final Bid $19,000
Act of February 28, 1861. $1000. Cr.Unlisted. B-8. Hand drawn mockup, with pasted on proof vignettes on red silk fiber paper, with hand drawn coupons. Wagon load of cotton. Sailor bottom. American Bank Note. Top right panel separated. Vignettes loose. Worthy of some restoration. Has the appearance of VF. Apparently the work on this bond started later than the $500. The firm got the text of the bond, had it written in by a scribe and then stuck in vignettes as appropriate. An important unique and historical
Sale #274 - Lot#1595 - Final Bid $13,000
Colombia. 8 Escudo, 1779NR JJ. Carol(us) III. KM 50.1. (NGC MS-64). obv.: Armored bust, facing right. rev.:
