Lot 1627

Description

Winchelsea Store, Stirling & Sons, Bunyip Hotel, Geelong, issued at Winchelsea, ten shillings, currency note, dated 1st Sept. 1856, (18- printed), number No.886, no watermark, wreathed value tablets in upper corners, imprint of De Gruchy & Leigh, Engrs. Geelong, stating on front 'We Promise to pay the Bearer TEN SHILLINGS Stg here or at Bunyip Hotel Geelong, for Stirling & Sons, JAS. STIRLING SENR. BUNYIP HOTEL', in centre block background TEN SHILLINGS, signed John Stirling (Manager), black on white. Folds, some gum residue on back, minor pinholes and toning areas, otherwise good fine, extremely rare and believed unique.

Many promissory notes were issued by stores and hotels, both of which are named on this note. The prosaic 'Winchelsea Store' and the more evocative 'Bunyip Hotel' are names almost considered fictional. The store promissory note is of great importance being one of only a few that have survived that circulated from this era in Victoria.