February 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, February 27th, 5pm Pacific

Lot #498:

Rare Mark Twain 1875 Personal Check Signed ''Samuel L. Clemens'' -- A Year Later He Would Publish ''The Adventures of Tom Sawyer''

Literary giant Mark Twain personal check signed ''Samuel L. Clemens'' clearly in black ink. Around the time Clemens signs this check, he was completing his most famous work, ''The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'', published in 1876. Dated and filled out in Clemens' hand, the First National Bank of Hartford, Connecticut check is numbered ''101'', dated ''Apl. 30 1875'' and made out to ''Bearer'' for the sum of $30. With two ''Paid'' stamps in red and blue ink to front of check and an additional stamp to verso. Measures 7.5'' x 3''. Slightly uneven bottom edge and a few tiny pinholes, else near fine.