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Lot 1636      

Estimate $2,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $2,700

ELLIS READ & CO., Albert River, Gulf of Carpentaria, issued at Burketown, Queensland, one pound, promissory note, dated 1st Aug. 1866, (186 printed), number No.27, watermark of vertical lines, value tablets in upper corners, company seal in centre, imprint of 'Engd. by T. Ham & Co Brisbane', stating on front 'On Demand, pay No.'Two' or Bearer the sum of ONE POUND Sterling, on account of 'Ellis Read & Co' Merchants, to the Australian Joint Stock Bank, Bowen', signed and entered by J. Mathan (?), 1439 in ink across part of the note and a more recent oval stamp for Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, at SYDNEY, a pencil signature across note in centre, all within rectangular ornamental border, with additional ink signature on back for John Frazer & Co', black on white, (Vort-Ronald comment p.25 on this issue). Corner missing, minor pinholes, edge tears and small creases, otherwise very fine, extremely rare.

Ex. Spink Australia Sale 8 (lot 410) where it is illustrated. $$ A note issued as money in a community, relying on gold mining and prospecting, by a merchant, servicing a population which was essentially transient.