Catalogue
Bank of New South Wales, receipt for second instalment of twenty five pounds for subscription for one share of Bank Capital Stock, No 29 dated 1st Day of April 1817, from John Wentworth by the Lord D (D'Arcy) Wentworth, signed E.S.Hall Cashier and Mr. Thos. Campbell (President). Extremely fine, the only example in private hands and of the utmost significance as the earliest known piece of scrip for Australia.
Estimate $10,000
SOLD $0
Bank of New South Wales, Certificate for one share Bank Capital Stock one hundred pounds Mrs Margaret Campbell (wife of Robert Campbell Junior the first accountant of the Bank), No. 117, Sydney 23 February 1820, signed by Jno Thos Campbell President, and Anthill Directors and entered by Fras. Williams signed on the back 'Received Sixty pounds Sterling (£60stg out of the Bank Stock on account of the within share M. Campbell'. Printed on thick parchment, plate heavily embossed into the paper, miniature pin- holes otherwise good very fine and the excessively rare first issue certificate.
Estimate $12,000
SOLD $0
Bank of New South Wales, share certificate for one hundred pounds, on vellum, by William Moffitt (founder of W.C.Penfold) No.135, issued in Sydney, 31st May 1832 to Samuel Terry and transferred to John Malcolm. Very fine and rare.
Estimate $600
SOLD $1,500
Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, share certificate for one hundred pounds, printed by William Moffitt, No.1433 issued to John Malcolm, 1st May 1838. Very fine and rare.
Estimate $600
SOLD $1,200
Lempriere & Compy, one Spanish dollar, Hobart Town, currency note, 2 June 1823 (year 182 printed), No.613, hand signed by Thomas James Lempriere, 'Exhibited EA Rofs' written across. Repaired and mounted on card, pieces missing, fair and rare.
Estimate $1,500
SOLD $0
Handwritten Bill of Exchange, the first, issued at Augusta August 1st 1832 by J.G. Bussell for £72.3.1 payable to Captain Molloy, adressed to Captain Swanston, Director Derwent Bank, Van Diemens Land, endorsed on back by Molloy, Received payment p p, via W.M. Orr, Alexander Orr. An important historical item linking the settlement in Western Australia with Van Diemens Land. Piece missing from right edge otherwise on large piece of paper, showing cross of crown on Britannia in cartouche, very fine and extremely rare.
Estimate $5,000
SOLD $12,000
Van Diemen's Land, Hobart Town, Bill of Exchange on printed form, No 6289 for £100 exchange at one & a half pt.ct. prem in British silver Commissariat Office, Hobart Town 10 Feby 18(36), the third of exchange to S. Adey, signed by A.Moodie to the Right Honourable the Lords Commisioners of His Majesty's Treasury, Whitehall, London endorsed by H.L. Darling D.W. Accts 11/2/36 to bottom left; imprint S. Clayton Sculpt, J Whatman 1832 watermarked paper; endorsed on back S. Adey. Top right margin piece torn away otherwise nearly very fine and very rare, similar to but not identical with the Butler Bill (sale 75, lot 2956, figure 2, premium note has been added to the printing plate).
Estimate $3,000
SOLD $2,900
Van Diemen's Land, Forest Gum 26 January 1838, one pound cheque payable to self at the Derwent Bank, signed John Ford, the Forest Gum written over crossed out Hobart Town. Left side torn out unevenly, perforations otherwise nearly very fine.
Estimate $60
SOLD $170
Van Diemen's Land, Commercial Bank, Cashier cheque (Hobart Town crossed out), Campbell Town Sept 27th 1840 No 11, for three pounds to Francis Allison Junr. Two spike holes in centre otherwise a full very fine and rare thus.
Estimate $100
SOLD $180
Bills of Exchange, First of Exchange, Bank of New South Wales, No 64070 £664.18.8 at 5% premium Melbourne 7th September 1854, imprint Smith, Elder & Co. Cornhill London; Colonial Bank of Australasia £ 200 stg. Melbourne 27th Nov 1868, No.13, second of exchange Grover Baker Sewing Machine Company, imprint William Brown & Co Sc 40 & 41 Old Broad St. London. The first (illus) with long tear along centrefold otherwise very fine, the second with spike hole cancellation on signature and tears with rust tone on fold (?) otherwise very fine. (2)
Estimate $200
SOLD $480
The Australian and European Bank, Melbourne, one pound, dated 1st June 18, (date partially printed), not numbered, proof on paper, unsigned, no watermark, imprint of 'Sands & McDougall, Engravers, Melbourne', vignette in centre of modified crowned Royal Arms with shield with Queen Victoria seated left on right and an aborigine with spear in left shield, value as £1 in corners and '£ One' to lower left (similar to Bank of England pound issue), states below, 'I Promise to pay the Bearer on Demand the Sum of ONE POUND. .. For The Australian and European Bank Limited', back with similar vignette and 'ONE' in tablet each side, black on white/yellow on white, (Vort-Ronald, comments on bank and this proof p.41). Two folds and some light paper toning, otherwise extremely fine and extremely rare.
Estimate $3,000
SOLD $7,000
The Australian Joint Stock Bank Limited, Sydney, one pound, dated 1 October 1901, (date fully printed), numbered A 451870 A, signed for manager with uncertain signature and countersigned by T.H. Abbott, on paper, watermarked but uncertain type, imprint of 'Perkins Bacon & Co Ld London', vignette in centre of Sydney Harbour, and ornamental circular tablets with 1 in all corners, and ONE POUND in tablet lower left, all within rectangular ornate border inscribed 'SYDNEY' on sides and 'NEW SOUTH WALES' above and below, states below, 'I Promise to pay the Bearer on Demand One Pound Sterling. For The Australian Joint Stock Bank Limited', back with bank building in centre, 1 in corners, legend around, orange and blue on white/blue on white, (Vort-Ronald, Type four (b) comments on bank and type p.46-51, similar issued note, illustrated Fig. 49 [p.51]). A few folds and creases, with thin lower right, otherwise nearly very fine and extremely rare, being the best of the three surviving reported banknotes.
Estimate $8,000
SOLD $16,000
Bank of Australia, Lottery Ticket, issued in Sydney Oct. 19, 1848 (month and year printed in full), and drawn on Jan 1, 1849, (full date printed in full), No. 3209, made out to William Henry Breton per J. Blaxland, signed by four Directors and printed on 'SYDNEY BANKING COMPANY' watermarked paper, imprint on lower right of 'H.C. Jervis Sc.', with ornate rectangular frame with animal vignettes within, and Royal arms vignette in near centre of note, on back in print and ink 'In consideration of four pounds which I have received from George S. LeBreton I hereby assign to him all my right and interest in the within Ticket and drawing' and signed 'J. Blaxland', and in black ink 'I hereby assign all my right and interest in the within ticket to Robert Fleming Esquire', and signed G.S. LeBreton Sept 23/50, black on white. Large tone spot on front and back, otherwise nearly very fine, extremely rare.
Estimate $2,000
SOLD $3,100
Bank of Australasia, Geelong written in replacing Adelaide, one pound altered to ten pounds, 2 Aug, 1852, (18 printed), No. 64918, hand signed by uncertain Manager and clerk as entered, note altered from one pound to ten pounds by carefully inking in TEN on the ONE in each of the ovals and block, and replacing with hand drawn TEN POUNDS for ONE POUND in text, printed on unwatermarked paper (?), with imprint on centre of bottom frame, 'Perkins Bacon & Petch, London Patent Hardened Steel Plate' vignette of Royal Arms in centre, all within rectangular spiral border with ADELAIDE on three sides, rubber stamped, 'ISSUED & PAYABLE AT GEELONG' at top and additional stamp in text 'HERE OR AT MELBOURNE' black on white, on back two signatures with one signed Joseph Hill, (Vort-Ronald Type One (b) (p.60), and one pound illustrated fig. 56, type for Adelaide not in Spink sale Perkins Bacon Archive, but compare the illustrations of specimen proofs for other cities). Heavily frayed edge, also some small holes, otherwise very good, as a forgery probably unique, and very rare for a one pound note from this bank at this time.
Estimate $8,000
SOLD $7,600
Bank of Australasia, Sydney, one pound, not dated, proof, on printed vertical lined watermarked paper, stuck down on paper, (this reinforcing the note), no imprint but inscribed in pencil, below Royal Arms 'Incorporated by Royal Charter 1835' and under vignettes 'Hobart Town' on the left and 'Sydney' on the right, engraved probably by Perkins Bacon (?), London, but not inscribed, all within rectangular spiral border, black on white, (Vort-Ronald fig 55, [p.57] This Note and further comment p.58). Ink stain upper left corner, stuck down on paper, otherwise nearly extremely fine and extremely rare.
Estimate $1,800
SOLD $2,700
The City of Melbourne Bank Limited, Melbourne, one pound, dated originally 1st April 1877 and red overprinted date 19th June 1893, (dates printed), numbered No. A 343173, on paper, uncertain signatures, no watermarks, imprint of 'Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Engravers &c London' lower centre, vignette of female figure facing in oval tablet, 1 in circlar geometric frames in corners and 'ONE' in value tablet lower left, all within rectangular frame built up on 'ONE' in intricate design, states 'I Promise to pay to the Bearer on demand ONE POUND Sterling. Melbourne ... For The City of Melbourne Bank Limited', with ONE in blue and yellow inside central area, on back arms, geometric ovals with value tablet '1' and 'ONE' written, inside border pattern, around, blue, yellow and black on white/red and blue on white, (Vort-Ronald, cf.Fig.134a & 134b and [p.125-6], comments p.125-6 on bank, also Tomlinson p.48-49). Many creases and folds, thin near vignette, stain on reverse, otherwise nearly fine and excessively rare, being one of two known.
Estimate $15,000
SOLD $21,000
The Colonial Bank of Australasia, Melbourne, one pound, dated 2nd January 1866, (date fully printed), not numbered, proof, unsigned, on paper, no watermark, imprint of 'Sands and McDougall Stationers Melbourne', vignette on left and right of gold miner, and round portrait of Queen Victoria upper left and lower right, in centre, Royal Arms, a mining and pastoral scene, value tablets as round ornamental with 1 on upper right and another lower left, and ONE in rectangular tablet lower left, large denomination figures at top flanking the central vignette, inside the figures are an emu on left and kangaroo on right, all within rectangular border, states below, 'Promise to pay the Bearer on Demand at Melbourne the sum of ONE POUND Stg. Value received, By order of the Board', black on white, (Vort-Ronald, Type two (a), comments on bank and type p.128-132, This Note, illustrated Fig. 136a [p.128]). Slightly uneven edges, otherwise extremely fine and extremely rare.
Estimate $4,000
SOLD $9,400
The Commercial Bank of Australia Limited, Sydney, New South Wales, one pound uniface, dated 8 Septr 1909, (date hand written), numbered No.C090712, signed A.W.Burrows for Manager and countersigned by Geo Jennings, both with ink signature, on paper, unwatermarked, floral lined frame around with Chinese script on each side, imprint of 'Sands & McDougall, Stationers, Melbourne', vignette in centre of seated female on wharf, with globe and winged caduceus, and ornamental oval tablet with '£1' lower left, on upper right and left 'ONE', states below, 'I Promise to pay the Bearer on Demand the Sum of One Pound here Value received Sydney. For the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited', with brown 'ONE POUND' across centre, brown and black on white, (Vort-Ronald, comments on bank and type p.133-5, similar unissued note illustrated for £100, Fig. 140 [p.133]). Folds and creases, two minor unobtrusive holes, rust spots on back, otherwise nearly very fine and extremely rare, this the only note this bank appearing in auctions over the last 15 years.
Estimate $30,000
SOLD $41,000
Sydney Banking Company, five pounds, Sydney, Jan'y 10, 1840, (184 printed), No. 1236, made out to T. Long, hand signed by Directors, James Watkins and Charlie Nicholson and entered by Henry W. Cockburn (the Chief Cashier), printed on unwatermarked paper, with imprint on centre of bottom frame, 'Engraved by W. Moffitt Sydney', within rectangular spiral border, on back in black ink, 'Received for Albert Black' and signed 'D. Fraser 27/9/67', black on white, (Vort-Ronald, p.217 on bank, note not known). Heavy folds and creases, with unobtrusive holes from folds, normal aging tone, otherwise nearly fine, and unique.
Estimate $20,000
SOLD $29,000
Union Bank of Australia, one pound, issued at Melbourne but overstamped GEELONG three times, 1 Oct, 1845, (18 printed), No. 30341, hand signed by Directors, and entered by Horatio Hinley (the Chief Cashier), printed on watermarked paper probably with [UNION BANK OF] AUSTRALIA with a frame, with imprint on centre of bottom, 'Perkins Bacon & Petch, London, Patent Hardened Steel Plate', with vignettes of Queen Victoria and Britannia to left, Kangaroo and produce to right and ship between, black on white, (Vort-Ronald, p.223-230 on bank, five pound forgery note of similar type illustrated, Tomlinson p.101 illustrates one pound note of type). Folds and creases, with two unobtrusive pin-holes from folds, some aging tone, otherwise fine, very rare and the earliest known note of this bank.
Estimate $20,000
SOLD $27,000
Union Bank of Australia, one pound, Goulburn, 4th Jnry 1858 No. C/T 9841 (MVR type 2a). A full note printed on thin paper, nearly fine and extremely rare as an issued country town note.
Estimate $16,000
SOLD $20,000
Union Bank of Australia, Melbourne, one pound altered to five pounds, 1 July 1852, (18 printed), No. 111544, hand signed by uncertain Manager and Accountant, note altered from one pound to five pounds by removing corners with 1 and ONE in oval frames and replacing from other notes by skillful attachment a 5 and FIVE in those corners, in addition letters are added to text changing ONE POUND to FIVE POUNDS, a vignette of Queen Victoria seated on throne upper left and the Britannia and Australia allegorical representations separated by a sailing ship are present, printed on unwatermarked paper (?), with imprint on centre of bottom frame, 'Perkins Bacon & Petch, London Patent Hardened Steel Plate', black on white, (Vort-Ronald Type One (p.225), and compare with other known one pound altered to five pounds forgery, fig.227 (p.223), also for specimen proof of £1 and £5 notes copied, see Spink sale Perkins Bacon Archive lot 786 and 790 both illustrated). Heavy folds and creases, major repairs to note by additions for alterations (as above), many small holes, and extensive toning, otherwise very good, as a forgery the second known example, and very rare for a one pound note from this bank at this time.
Estimate $7,000
SOLD $6,600
Union Bank of Australia, Melbourne, one pound, dated 1 Jany 1876 (187- printed), numbered No.F452590, uniface note issue, signed Davids (?) for manager and entered by W. Anderson, no watermark, imprint of 'Perkins Bacon & Co. London Patented Hardened Steel Plate', vignette of Britannia and colonial wharf scene, with ships between in background, all within scroll border which includes MELBOURNE at the sides, two vertical overprints of ONE in five blue circles, blue and black on white, (Vort-Ronald, Type two (a), Fig.228, [p.224], similar note, further comments p.223-8). Creases and folds, scattered light stains, otherwise nearly very fine and very rare.
Estimate $15,000
SOLD $15,000
The Union Bank of Australia Limited, Sydney, one pound, dated 1 Jany 1892 (date printed) in full, numbered No.2/A 540231, paper note issue, signed [..]odward for manager and entered by A.T.S, no watermark, imprint of 'Perkins Bacon & Co. Ld. London', vignette of Britannia and colonial wharf scene, with ships between in background, all within scroll border which includes 'SYDNEY' at the sides, two horizontal green overprint of 'ONE' in three green circles, back with five geometric ovals, green and black on white/black on white, (Vort-Ronald, Type two (b), Fig.229, [p.225], This Note, further comments p.223-8). Creases and folds, scattered light stains, various small thins and irregular pin-holes, otherwise nearly very fine and very rare.
Estimate $11,000
SOLD $10,500
Tasmania, Government Treasury Bill for one thousand pounds sterling 8th December 1892, No 589 stamped paid, repayable 8th Dec '95 pencilled on back. Two Cancellation holes on signature otherwise good very fine.
Estimate $150
SOLD $180
Tasmania, cheques, Bank of Van Diemens Land, Zeehan April 5 1890 one pound, counterstamped Launceston by both BVDL (twice) and Bank of Australasia, also blank cheque for Commercial Bank Hobart Town 1st June 1872 X Her mark Elizabeth Livingstone, Tasmania Electric Telegraph Hobart office for Launceston sending one hundred and six pounds fourteen shillings plus two mining share certificates 189- and 1907. Very fine - extremely fine. (6)
Estimate $100
SOLD $320
Dunsford & Co Geelong, issued for Buninyong, ten shillings currency note, proof on paper, not dated (185- printed), with provision for number, no watermark, vignette of Justice and goods of prosperity including a cornucopia, and with various ships to right in the background, imprint of H.C.Jervis Engraver & C, Pitt St. Sydney, stating on front 'At Sight Pay ...... or Bearer TEN SHILLINGS Value received To Messrs. Dunsford & Co, Geelong, all within rectangular framed border with BUNINYONG printed in top border, dark-brown on light blue (Spink Noble Sale 37, lot 2761 a similar note). Almost uncirculated, extremely rare and possibly only the second known specimen.
Estimate $4,500
SOLD $5,000
Henry & John Cooke Melbourne, issued at Bendigo Diggings, promissory note or order, proof on paper, not dated (185- printed), with provision for number, watermarked HODGKINSON & CO, vignette of miners and arms, another of building, imprint of HAM Sc, stating on front 'At Sight Pay ...... To Messrs. Henry & John Cooke, Melbourne', in centre H & J COOKE in block, black on white. Light toning on two edges, otherwise good extremely fine and extremely rare.
Estimate $3,000
SOLD $4,200
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.
Estimate $6,000
SOLD $5,900
Randell Scott, Lang's Crossing, Hay, Murrum Bidgee, issued at Hay, one pound, currency note, dated 18th April 1861, (18- printed), number No.36, no watermark, value tablets in upper corners, vignette of steam ship in centre, imprint of H. Berger Lit. lower left, stating on front 'We Promise to pay the Bearer on demand here, or in Adelaide, S. Australia, Twenty Shillings Sterling, value received', signed Randell Scott, black on white, (Spink Noble sale 36 lot 2722 similar item, and discussion Mira 'From Riverboat to Iron Horse', 1990, p.16). Note attached to cardboard, many folds and creases, close trimming on two edges, and small piece out of one side, otherwise very good and extremely rare.
Estimate $3,500
SOLD $4,900