Archives International Auctions Auction 99 February 5, 2025

Archives International Auctions - Sale 99 68 February 5, 2025 Archives International Auctions www.archivesinternational.com 342 342 NewYork. Pinkerton’s National DetectiveAgency, 1887Operative Report New York, 1887. 3 page typewritten document with Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency “We Never Sleep” letterhead, addressed to W. M. Smillie, Esq. who was a Vice President of the American Bank Note Co at the time. This piece is an operative report of the activities of D. S. Ronaldson, in which the detective, Robert N. Pinkerton, describes Ronaldson’s movements and actions from 7:20 am to 6:15 pm on Wednesday, February 23rd, 1887. This fascinating piece includes terrific descriptions of Ronaldson’s associates and details the various saloons he visited throughout the day. D. S. Ronaldson was most likely the man of the same name who was well-known for his stamp engraving work at the time, making it even more interesting that someone from ABNC was using the famous detective agency to “tail” him. Signed by Robert N. Pinkerton, a probable relative of Allan Pinkerton. Pinkerton, founded as the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, is a private security guard and detective agency established in the United States by Scotsman Allan Pinkerton in 1850 and currently a subsidiary of Securitas AB. Pinkerton became famous when he claimed to have foiled a plot to assassinate president-elect Abraham Lincoln, who later hired Pinkerton agents for his personal security during the Civil War. Pinkerton’s agents performed services ranging from security guarding to private military contracting work. The Pinkerton National Detective Agency hired women and minorities from its founding, a practice uncommon at the time. Pinkerton was the largest private law enforcement organization in the world at the height of its power. During the labor strikes of the late 19th, early 20th and early 21st centuries, businessmen hired the Pinkerton Agency to infiltrate unions, supply guards, keep strikers and suspected unionists out of factories, and recruit goon squads to intimidate workers. One such confrontation was the Homestead Strike of 1892, in which Pinkerton agents were called in to reinforce the strikebreaking measures of industrialist Henry Clay Frick, acting on behalf of Andrew Carnegie. he ensuing battle between Pinkerton agents and striking workers led to the deaths of three Pinkerton agents and nine steelworkers. The Pinkertons were also used as guards in coal, iron, and lumber disputes in Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia as well as the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and the Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921. VF condition for its age, with slight splitting along fold lines, staple at top. Rare and unique piece of Numismatic and Security Printer history. �� Est. $500-1000 343 343 Wellstood, Hanks, Hay & Whiting, and Wellstood, Hanks, Hay & Whiting Bank-Note Engravers, 1855 & 1856, Letter Pair. New York, 1855 & 1856. Lot of 2 Intaglio printed letter heads with letters, one from Wellstood, Hanks, Hay &Whiting Bank-Note Engravers and one fromWellstood, Hay &Whiting. Both have similar letterhead vignettes but different titles and text, both letters ask for the shipment of various supplies necessary for the production of banknotes. Both are in VF to XF condition. (2). Sold “AS IS” no returns accepted. �� Est. $200-350 Pennsylvania 344 344 Republic Bank Note Co.; Wells Fargo; and Parsons Paper Co., Proof Advertising Labels and Brochures, ca.1908. Pittsburgh, PA., ca.1908, All are final proofs confirming the destruction of the original printing plates, Lot of 3 Items from the Republic Bank Note Co., Includes: Wells Fargo & Company Money Order booklet; . Republic Bank Note Company, Advertising Bond Printing end page; and, Parsons Paper Co. Proof Paper package label; All are in VF to XF condition with “Destroyed 11/17” written on red crayon on face. (3). Sold “AS IS” no returns accepted. �� Est. $300-400