Posted 2 years ago
pw-collector
(297 items)
I have a cancelled check for $1588.46 issued on Oct. 19, 1898 by D. B. Wesson, founder of the Smith & Wesson Firearms Company to T. M. Walker & Company. The check was stamped paid on Oct. 24, 1898.
On a quick research, T. M. Walker was a local manufacture & retailer of building supplies, including architectural woodwork & paint.
Further research shows that in 1898 D. B. Wesson finished the building of the Wesson Mansion at 50 Maple Street, Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts (the history of the Wesson Mansion can be seen here: https://househistree.com/houses/wesson-mansion ).
The Wesson Mansion was the cities most extravagant mansion. Three and a half stories in height and constructed of pink Milford granite with red slate roof and bronze cresting and finials. Completed in 1898, the cost was between $350,000.00 and $450,000.00.
The check does not indicate what the $1588.46 was payment for, but in todays value it would equal $55,923.62.
Dave
WESSON MANSION
https://househistree.com/houses/wesson-mansion
Dave
Very interesting piece..
Maybe it was payment for a hidden safe in the house to keep all his prize firearms hidden :)
Trey,
Maybe it was for his desk (see added photo).
Dave
Thanks to all who have commented & showed appreciation.
That would be one expensive desk :)
Is that the builder T,M. Walker in photo ?
D. B. Wesson seated at right, the two on the left are unknown to me.
Dave