(LOT 35)
Alexander Cartwright 1876 Bank Check/Voucher Signed Twice by Cartwright – PSA Mint 9
Christened "The Father of Baseball", Alexander Joy Cartwright's impact on our National Pastime stands right alongside the legendary Babe Ruth. In fact, on June 3, 1953, Cartwright was officially declared the "TRUE" inventor of baseball by the 83rd United States Congress; a title that was erroneously held for years by Civil War legend Abner Doubleday. While not perfectly clear, it is assumed that the first baseball team ever assembled was the New York Knickerbockers back in the fall of 1845. Alexander Joy Cartwright umpired that game and is assumed responsible for the field dimensions and many of its rules (incl. 3 strikes per at bat, 3 outs per inning, 90 foot bases, etc.), with Cartwright eventually moving on to establish many precedents relating to baseball's basic structure.

For those reasons his name now stands alone as the irrefutable founder of America's most popular pastime, and it is virtually unfathomable to think that some 172 years ago, Cartwright was able to configure a baseball diamond with distances that would be nearly perfect for the standard batted ball and base running speeds. Presented here is one of the most incredible Alexander Joy Cartwright documents extant, a remarkable 1876 Bank Voucher including TWO Alex. J. Cartwright scripts (front & verso). PSA has deemed the hallowed signatures "Mint 9" with an accompanying full JSA LOA also classifying both autographs as genuine! Measuring approximately 5-1/4" x 8-1/2", this extraordinary bank document appears to be similar with today's simple standard for obtaining cash from a bank via a check.

Apparently, on March 28, 1876, Cartwright used a steel tip black fountain pen to complete this bank voucher/check to the Bank of California in exchange for $989 in U.S. gold coin. The obverse side includes the first "Alex. J. Cartwright" script with the verso also reflecting an additional required signature from the immortal Cooperstown inductee. The front side's upper region clearly reads: "Exchange For $989 U.S. Gold Coin", and it also appears Cartwright has likewise penned the required information in his hand. Along with Cartwright's second signature, the flipside portrays the typical bank ink markings including an extremely bold/vivid red "PAY THE BANK OF CALIFORNIA ORDER" ink stamp. Regardless of its appropriate definitive description (bank voucher, check or promissory note), what truly matters are the TWO Alex. J. Cartwright PSA "Mint- 9" signatures; with single signed Alexander documents among the most treasured scripts in the hobby!

MIN BID $1,500
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