1892 Peoples National Bank Cashier’s Check – Rock Island, IL – George Washington Vignette – $4,010 Payable to Rock Island via Chicago

Description

This is an original, canceled cashier’s check/draft issued by the Peoples National Bank of Rock Island, Illinois, circa November 1892 (serial No. 7259594). It is drawn for $4,010.00 (“Four Thousand and Ten 00/100 Dollars”) payable to “Rock Island” (or interpreted from handwriting), routed through the North Western National Bank in Chicago for clearing. Printed on blue-tinted safety paper by the Western Bank Note Company of Chicago, it includes intricate engraving: prominent oval portrait of George Washington at left (patriotic vignette), elaborate scrollwork framing the bank name “PEOPLES NATIONAL BANK” with “STATE OF ILLINOIS” above, and denomination in ornate script. Handwritten elements include payee, amount, date notations (e.g., “Nov 16 1892,” “489”), and signatures such as cashier “A. C. Hellpenstell” and possibly “Douglass Bank Hoyt, Cashier.” Multiple red/purple cancellation stamps (e.g., “PAID,” “CANCELLED”) and phrases like “IN CURRENT FUNDS” confirm its use and obsolescence. This reflects late-19th-century Midwestern banking practices during the National Banking system era, where local banks issued large drafts cleared via Chicago correspondents. Condition appears good for age: intact with expected folds, minor wear, bold engraving, no major tears noted—ideal for collectors of obsolete checks, vignettes, Illinois history, or Washington portrait ephemera.