Lot 247

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Description:

Rothschild Nathan

Nathan Rothschild Endorsed Check to Lord Horatio Nelson's Widow

 

A bank check boldly signed by Nathan Mayer Rothschild (1777-1836), a member of the prestigious European banking dynasty, as "Nathan R" verso. Written in Paris, France on March 6, 1822. The partly printed and partly manuscript check, No. 764, instructed bankers to release £100 sterling to "Frances H. Nelson + Bronte", the widow of Napoleonic war hero Lord Horatio Nelson. Also signed by Jacques Lafitte, a prominent Parisian banker, as "J. Lafitte", and by a Rothschild banking representative as "du Rothschild fils" verso. Nathan Rothschild's signature measures approximately 3" square alone. Stamped and docketed in French verso. Expected wear including wrinkles and isolated stains. Residual tape found recto at lower right, else near fine. 8.125" x 3.625". Accompanied by a small portrait of a woman, presumed to be Fanny Nelson.

 

This remarkable check unites three of the most powerful financial institutions in nineteenth-century Europe: the Rothschilds (pan-European); Jacques Lafitte (Paris); and Marsh, Stracey, Fauntleroy & Graham (London).

 

The Rothschild Family, originally of German Jewish ancestry, first emerged as an influential banking house in the eighteenth century. The family's sphere of influence was expanded by establishing satellite banks in London, Paris, Vienna, and Naples. By the early nineteenth century, the Rothschilds were one of the most significant financial concerns in Europe. It became the creditor of teetering monarchies, bankrupt kingdoms, and fledgling nation states in Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Our check signer Nathan Mayer Rothschild had established the family branch in London; he was the third son of patriarch Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1744-1812).

 

Jacques Lafitte, a leading Parisian banker, was one of the Regents of the Bank of France, and later helped develop France's first savings bank. Across the Channel, the firm of Marsh, Stracey, Fauntleroy & Graham serviced the needs of British aristocrats until partner Henry Fauntleroy was convicted of forgery and hanged in 1824.

 

Frances "Fanny" Nelson née Woolward (1758-1831) married Horatio Nelson in 1787. By all accounts, their marriage was initially very happy, and Frances was a dedicated wife and helpmate, especially after Lord Nelson lost his right arm at the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. After Lord Nelson's highly publicized affair with Lady Emma Hamilton, though, which began around 1798, the couple became estranged. Lord Nelson cut off all communication with Fanny until his death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

 

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February 26, 2020 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
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$100 $299 $20
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$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
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$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000