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W C Ralston Signed Check, Possible Levi Strauss Connection? [175727]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 900.00 USD
W C Ralston Signed Check, Possible Levi Strauss Connection?    [175727]
SOLD
300.00USD+ (75.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2023 Dec 08 @ 11:18UTC-8 : PST/AKDT

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Bank of California check signed by W C Ralston, July 29, 1873 made out to Mission & Pacific Woolen MIlls for $306, 211.06, perhaps for the purchase of the entire mill which was sold out of the Ralston estate in 1875, after his suicide, to Levi Strauss along with his partners including Reno tailor Jacob Davis. Above Ralston's signature is written " Charge Wm. Sharon". Sharon was the banks agent on the Comstock and may have loaned Ralston some of the money for the purchase. in 1872, Levis Strauss received a letter from Jacob Davis, one of Strauss' regular customers in which Jacob told Strauss about his copper rivet work pants. Jacob did not have the money for a patent, so he suggested they take out the patent together, which was granted in 1873. Did Sharon communicate his to Ralston prompting him to buy the Mission & Pacific Woolen Mills a couple of months later? This check is signed on both sides, has an orange R15, R2 Internal Revenue 2c adhesive stamp. Very nice condition. San Francisco California Franklin Collection