Lot 4275

Description

Van Diemen's Land, cheque from George Hunt to Mr. George Stokell, Macquarie Street for £80.1.9 stg. Hobart Town 23rd May 1830, No 180, circular rubber ink stamp Derwent Bank crossed and cancelled, signed on back George Hunt, mercer, Ludgater, entirely handwritten. Very fine.

Ex W.J.D.Mira Collection, Noble Numismatics Sale 78 (lot 4603). George Stokell and his wife arrived in Van Diemens Land on the 'Venerable' in 1822. With his capital he became a merchant and land owner. He prospered until his store manager Parrot, embezzeled large sums of money. Stockell, although facing bankruptcy, 'soldiered on' and over time restored his financial and social status, dying a wealthy man in 1874. Apart from Bills of Exchange he also issued currency notes of one shilling dated 1825. [See 'Coins and Tokens of Tasmania 1803-1910' by Roger McNeice FRNS]