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1881 Promissory Note Amsterdam NY First National Bank $35 Murphy Brothers Calderwood
Approximately 2.75\" by 7.75\"
Antique promissory note dated December 6, 1881, issued in Amsterdam, New York.
Document Details:
- Date: December 6, 1881
- Maker: Robert Calderwood
- Payable to: Murphy Brothers
- Amount: $35.00 (amended to $35.37)
- Terms: Two months after date, with interest
- Due Date: February 9, 1882
- Bank: First National Bank of Amsterdam (NY)
The face of the note features a beautifully engraved allegorical vignette on the left depicting two women and a reclining figure in a pastoral riverside scene, with a steamboat in the background — a classic example of Victorian-era banknote engraving artistry. A sailing ship vignette graces the upper right corner. The reverse bears the endorsement signature of Murphy Brothers in period ink.
The document is in excellent condition for its age — clean, intact, with sharp printed text and legible handwriting throughout. Minor toning consistent with 140+ years of age.
A great piece for collectors of New York ephemera, banking history, Victorian financial documents, or Amsterdam NY local history.
