Title:
General William W. Wells Jr. Signed 1881 Merchants National Bank Check – Medal of Honor Recipient – PSA/DNA Certified Auto, Certification #85842678

Description:
Partially printed and handwritten bank check dated October 3, 1881, issued from the Merchants National Bank of Burlington, Vermont, and personally signed by General William W. Wells Jr. in dark ink across the center of the document. The check is made payable to “W. M. Currie” in the amount of ninety dollars and features elegant engraved blue banking text characteristic of late 19th-century American financial instruments.

Wells’ signature is bold and visually prominent, accompanied by period banking cancellations, handwritten accounting notations, and endorsement markings that reflect authentic commercial use during the Gilded Age. The reverse side displays multiple contemporary bank processing stamps and handwritten endorsements, further enhancing the document’s historical authenticity and visual appeal.

The check exhibits expected age toning, handling wear, and normal banking usage marks consistent with its 1881 origin. PSA/DNA encapsulation preserves the document while allowing full visibility of both the front and reverse of the historic artifact.

Historical Context:
William W. Wells Jr. was a businessman, politician, and distinguished Union Army officer during the American Civil War. Born in 1837, Wells served with the 1st Vermont Cavalry and earned national recognition for his courage and leadership in combat. He is best remembered as a Medal of Honor recipient for extraordinary gallantry during the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the defining engagements of the Civil War.

At Gettysburg, Wells and the 1st Vermont Cavalry participated in critical cavalry operations opposing Confederate forces during the campaign that marked a turning point in the war. His bravery under fire and effective battlefield leadership contributed to his rise through the ranks, ultimately receiving the brevet rank of brigadier general.

Following the war, Wells became active in business and politics in Vermont, representing the generation of Union veterans who transitioned from military service into positions of civic and commercial leadership during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age. Signed financial documents from Wells are highly desirable due to their connection to both Civil War history and one of the war’s honored Medal of Honor recipients.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA as an “Authentic Auto,” certification number 85842678. The PSA holder securely preserves the check while displaying both sides, including all endorsement stamps, cancellation markings, and handwritten banking notations.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This signed 1881 bank check from General William W. Wells Jr. represents an exceptional intersection of Civil War history, American banking memorabilia, and Medal of Honor legacy. Featuring the autograph of a Gettysburg hero and prominent Vermont leader, this PSA/DNA-certified artifact offers outstanding appeal for collectors of Civil War autographs, military history, and historically significant Americana.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.