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Auction: 24100 - World Banknotes - e-Auction
Lot: 442

Bankers Ledger sheets with antique print of King Charles I, pages taken from a bankers ledger book, dated London 1669. Includes account pages of Claude Hays, account number 427, and Nicholas Skinner, account number 426.
These ledger pages have the distinction of being some of the oldest surviving banking records, predating the Bank of England. In 1640 King Charles I seized the money and gold deposited in the Tower by merchants and others, who then decided to deposit their money and valuables with the Goldsmiths and Scriveners for safekeeping. The Goldsmiths and Scriveners in turn issued receipts (Goldsmith notes) and allowed their clients to issue drawn notes on their accounts. These ledger pages from 1669 belong to one of those Goldsmiths or Scriveners based in London, and thus represent the beginnings of modern British banking. A singular opportunity to acquire a rare, significant artefact of banking history.

Together with an antique lithograph portrait print of King Charles I, after "an excellent Original in the Royal Palace of Hampton Court" after Anthony Van Dyck
ledgers sheets have significant wear to edges with tears, rips, splits, and holes. Tape repairs, staining, discolouration. Despite age and condition the ledger is clear and readable. Print of King Charles I is in attractive condition.

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Sold for
£80

Starting price
£12