Scottish-born scientist and inventor (1847–1922) who conceived the telephone, founded the Bell Telephone Company, and invented various devices for aiding the deaf. Bank check, 6.5 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Bell, payable to Catherine D. MacKenzie for $82.44, January 6, 1916. In fine condition, with cancellation marks and stamps, none affecting the clean signature area, a central vertical fold through a single letter of signature, and trivial paper loss to lower left corner.
MacKenzie was hired as Bell’s secretary in 1914 after the inventor went through a series of assistants beginning in 1905. She stayed with him until his death. In addition to the standard secretarial duties, MacKenzie was also charged with assuring that Bell’s personal office supplies were in the proper place. She also helped handle his autograph requests, and was once quoted as saying, “I should think that every school child in the US has an autograph by this time.” In 1928, MacKenzie penned a biography on the great inventor. In all likelihood this document was a payroll check, creating an interesting link between Bell and one of his closest associates and future biographer. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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