AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a bank check from 'THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF QUANTICO, VA.', numbered 283 and dated 'January 7th 1930'. The document is printed on paper with a subtle background pattern and features a circular seal on the left side with an eagle and the text 'THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF QUANTICO'. It is filled out in black ink for the amount of '$4.00', made payable to an individual whose name is partially obscured by a perforation cancellation mark. The 'For' line notes 'Dues to Mar 31, 1931'. The document bears a cursive signature in the lower right corner that appears to read 'Smedley D. Butler'; this signature is stylistically consistent with that of the two-time Medal of Honor recipient Major General Smedley Butler. The owner identifies this as a signature by MGen Smedley Butler, though this remains an unverified claim subject to in-person forensic handwriting analysis. The check has been processed, as evidenced by 'PAID' perforations through the center. Small red ink marks and light surface wear are visible. The left edge is serrated, suggesting it was removed from a checkbook. All signatures and dates are consistent with the early 20th-century period, but their authenticity is not confirmed based on the image alone.

Based on the images provided, I have examined this 1930 bank check from The First National Bank of Quantico. The document bears a signature consistent with that of Major General Smedley Butler, a notable figure in military history. Per the owner's submission, this is identified as a signed check by Smedley Butler; however, this attribution must be treated as a working hypothesis that I cannot verify from a photo alone. The value estimate assumes the signature corresponds to the historical figure, as similar military-interest financial documents often command a premium among collectors of Marine Corps memorabilia. The item displays period-correct characteristics, including 'PAID' perforations and era-specific printing on the Quantico-based bank. Market demand for such items is generally stable, though value is heavily influenced by the prestige of the signer and the condition of the signature itself. While the signature appears clear and includes his middle initial, it is partially impacted by the bank's processing marks. I cannot verify the ink composition or the pressure of the pen strokes without a physical inspection. To confirm the identity of the signer, an in-person forensic handwriting analysis and provenance research would be required. If the signature were found to be a proxy, a reproduction, or not by Butler's hand, the value would decrease significantly, likely falling into the $20 - $50 range as a simple local fiscal curiosity. Therefore, the higher appraisal is contingent upon a successful authentication by a specialist in historical documents.