1920 Bank Check Appraisal

Vintage Bank of Arbuckle Commercial Check, 1920

This is a rectangular financial instrument, specifically a personalized commercial check from the Bank of Arbuckle, located in Arbuckle, California. The item is dated June 7, 1920, and bears the serial number 2841. It is constructed from a lightweight, off-white to cream-toned paper stock that shows subtle signs of uniform yellowing consistent with a 100-year-old age. The check features elegant, ornate copperplate-style calligraphy printing for the bank name and standard fields. A distinctive red typographic line highlights the written amount of 'TWO HUNDRED NINETY NINE DOLLARS FIFTY SEVEN CENTS,' which is a notable security feature of the era. The payee is listed as 'The B.F. Goodrich Co' and the amount '$299.57' is handwritten in dark ink. The document includes a signature from a representative named 'A. J. Aiton' at the bottom left. Physically, the check has a serrated left edge, indicating it was torn from a ledger or checkbook. There is minor evidence of handling, including very faint edge wear and a few tiny foxing spots, but it lacks major creases, tears, or heavy staining, suggesting it was well-preserved. This is a classic example of early 20th-century American commercial banking ephemera, showcasing the high-quality graphic design and typography used prior to modern digital banking.