Details:

Stephen Johnson Field autographed bank check, dated April 30, 1885, from the National Iron Bank of Morristown, New Jersey. The check is drawn by Richard Smith, identified as guardian, payable to Sarah S. Smith in the amount of $500.

The reverse bears Field's endorsement signature, "Stephen J. Field," in bold black ink, together with the endorsement of Sarah S. Smith and additional banking signatures and cancellation markings.

An interesting financial document bearing the autograph of a sitting United States Supreme Court Justice during his lengthy tenure on the nation's highest court. Appointed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, Field was serving his 22nd year on the Supreme Court when this check was issued.

The check features attractive engraved typography and the original manuscript date, payment amount, and signatures. The reverse retains several period banking stamps, including a red "PAID" cancellation and markings associated with the National Bank of Commerce in New York.

The check measures approximately 2.75 x 6 inches. Very good condition with age toning, scattered staining, bank cancellation stamps, and handling wear. Some ink smudging is present near the endorsements, with minor paper loss and irregularities along the edges.

Stephen Johnson Field (1816–1899) was an American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1863 to 1897. Appointed by President Abraham Lincoln, Field served for more than 34 years, making him the longest-serving Supreme Court Justice at the time of his retirement.

Before joining the Supreme Court, Field played an important role in California's early legal history, serving as Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court from 1859 to 1863. During his federal judicial career, he became influential in constitutional questions involving property rights, economic liberty, and the Fourteenth Amendment. He authored the unanimous opinion in Yick Wo v. Hopkins (1886), a landmark decision concerning equal protection under the law. Field was also the brother of Cyrus West Field, the financier behind the successful transatlantic telegraph cable.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11700 1419365-1