Bell Alexander

Alexander Graham Bell Writes Large Check

A check signed by Scottish inventor Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) as "Alexander Graham Bell" on the payee line. The unnumbered check in the amount of $1,000.00 was issued from The Royal Bank of Canada in Baddeck, Nova Scotia on November 5, 1914. The check was issued to "John G. Davidson", who has endorsed it verso. Cancelled. With expected folds and light uneven toning. A few paper clip impressions, and an area of isolated minor loss at upper left, else very good to near fine. Bell's signature is clear and dark. 7.75" x 3.375".

The identity of Bell's check recipient, John G. Davidson, is unknown. He must have been tasked with important work however, as $1,000 in 1914 currency is the equivalent of more than $25,000 in 2019 money.

Baddeck was the village in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia neighboring the Bell's vacation home, Beinn Bhreagh, meaning "Beautiful Mountain" in Scottish Gaelic. Bell and his wife Mabel had discovered the Bras d'Or Lakes region on a boating trip and summered at their estate after 1888. Their Queen Anne style cottage was completed in 1893. Bell died at Beinn Bhreagh in 1922 and is buried on the property, now part of the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.

Alexander Graham Bell is most celebrated for his invention of the telephone, patented in the United States in 1876. Bell was also an aeronautical engineer and teacher of the deaf. It has been argued that Bell's interest in communications technology is rooted in his family history. Since both his mother and wife were deaf, Bell understood the importance of accessible, free, and universal communication.

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.