Authentic W. V. Phillips Signature from 16 June 1865

As you know I patrol eBay like the Dawn Patrol with about as much success at those aces did.  But once in a blue moon I find a gem.  Maybe when that happens, it is a Blue Moon of Kentucky?

Ok, to move on to the revelation, here is a receipt that is signed - yes signed - by Whipple Van Buren Phillips and dated 16 June 1865.

The eBay details are sparse, and no provenance was given, other than they apparently were laid in with a group that included mostly signed receipts by George W. Phillips.

Bidding is for one (1) vintage 1865 paper bill, receipt from Henry S. Hutchins.  Providence Rhode Island or Connecticut.  Wholesale Dealer in Groceries and Provisions. Successor to Hutchins, Pierce & Co.  No.31 Market Square, And Nos. 6 & 8 Leonard Street. Paid Cash. Snuff, Lard, Salt, Starch.  Sold to W.V. Phillips.  June 16, 1865.  Paper sheet measures:  7-1/8" x 6-3/8". Overall light wear, with fold creases.

What can we make of this?  The first thing is that ethical, moral, and temperance man WVP bought one pound of snuff.  Was it for him, his men, or for what purpose?  The lard, two kinds of salt, and starch seem to more natural items to purchase.

The entire purchase was significant - $36.55.  One suspects that this may have been provisions for the men who worked for him.  It is difficult to compare, but this has to be at the least equivalent to $530 today.  That is a princely sum.

This is one of the rarest items related to H P. Lovecraft's family that I have seen.  There are a number of signed patents in Google patents by WVP, but this is truly a rare item.

I did not bid on the item, because I am no longer trying to collect physical items related to WVP.  It is just too expensive for me in the midst of this infernal "recession".  Electronic images are all I need.

I hope you enjoy seeing this very old document that briefly crossed paths with the life of Whipple.