1883 Hummelstown National Bank Check – $75 to A. Thalheimer, Signed by Stephenson O. Harvey

Description

This is an original 19th-century bank draft (check) issued by the Hummelstown National Bank, located in Hummelstown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Dated January 11, 1883 (shortly after the bank’s national charter in late 1882), it is payable to the order of “A A Thalheimer” (or A. Thalheimer) in the amount of seventy-five dollars ($75.00). The amount is written in both words (“Seventy five Dollars”) and numerals (“$75 00”) in a boxed section. It features ornate blue printing, geometric borders, and a prominent 2-cent blue U.S. revenue stamp (proprietary issue with a classical female profile, required for tax on bank checks at the time). The check is signed at the lower right by “Stephenson O. Harvey” (likely the cashier or authorized officer). Printed by Win F. Murphy’s Sons, 509 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. This item represents early national banking history in a small Pennsylvania borough near Harrisburg, during the post-Civil War national banking era. Similar antique checks from this bank are collectible ephemera.