Highly desirable Springfield Marine & Fire Insurance Company check, 7.5 x 2.25, mostly filled out and signed by Lincoln, “A. Lincoln,” (with the exception of the pay order line) payable to Corneau & Diller for $24.70, February 1, 1860. Two cancellation cuts to body, some scattered light soiling, small ink blot to signature, and a small hole to left edge, otherwise fine condition.
While residing in Springfield, Illinois from 1855 to 1861, the Lincoln family were regular patrons of the Corneau and Diller Drug Store, with one of the owners, Charles Corneau, most likely acquainted with Lincoln politically since they were both members of the Whig party. Among the various medicines and supplies Lincoln is known to have purchased there were brandy, a liniment containing hemlock, and sticks of cough candy made with opium. A ledger from the store also records the purchase of ‘cocoaine’—a trade name for a coconut-oil hair product as well as a spelling sometimes used for coca extract products, coca wine...and cocaine-based local anesthetic preparations. A unique and desirable check with excellent association. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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