Spain. 67 sterline 1911

This eighth and extraordinary document completes the historical arc of your collection and is a "Primera de Cambio" (Bill of Exchange) issued directly in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) on June 7, 1911. The title features a magnificent central xilographic heading with the ornamental cartouche of the legendary winery "Gutiérrez Hermanos". This piece has immense documentary importance because it reverses the perspective of the previous lots: in this case it is the Spanish cellar issuing (issuing a draft) an international bill of exchange toward the Far East. #Description and analysis of the document * Transaction and Currency: The title (No. 13772) is drawn for the amount of £67 5s 4d (67 pounds, 5 shillings, 4 pence Sterling), written in beautiful commercial cursive handwriting both in figures and in words. Under the amount in pounds there is a line of protective mechanical punch marks against forgery. * The Incredible Commercial Axis (Andalusia - China): The firm Gutiérrez Hermanos orders payment of this sum "at sight in ten days" in favor of "nosotros mismos" (ourselves), but addresses the bill to a debtor located in Asia: the Chinese "Russian Club" of Hankow (Hankou). Hankow (today part of the Beijing-Wuhan megalopolis) was one of the most important river ports open to Western trade on the Yangtze, home to a powerful Russian concession closely tied to luxury and import. * International Banking Support: On the lower right front there is the ink signature of the managers and the purple line stamp of the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), along with the handwritten note of the specific branch: "Corpn., Hankow". * The Back (The Turnings): The second photo shows the exact financial operation of the title [N6N73H.png]. The Gutiérrez brothers stamp on the back the note "Páguese a la orden del Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation" dated Jerez, July 3, 1911, completed by their official signature and crossed with a large black "X" to indicate proceeds collected and funds settled between Spain and China. * The Engraver: On the left margin the stamp of the Spanish printing works is printed: "Imp. B. Arnaud - Bilbao". # Important figures and historical context 1. Gutiérrez Hermanos: This document is the ultimate proof of the incredible global distribution network of the Jerez winery. It demonstrates that Andalusian Sherry traveled by ship for months to reach the elite European circles of Imperial China (Hankow in 1911, just a few months before the fall of the Qing dynasty and the Chinese revolution). 2. The Russian Club of Hankow: Founded by the wealthy community of Russian tea merchants who ran the enormous tea brick factories in Hankow, it was the center of social life, politics, and luxury consumption of the Russian elite on Chinese soil. This document certifies the purchase and import of Jerez wine directly from Spain for the club's banquets. # Commercial value assessment Documents linking the history of Jerez wine (Sherry) to colonial Far East (China/Hankow) through HSBC before World War I are considered pieces of utmost significance for international Scripophily, highly sought after by European and Asian collectors alike. Condition is excellent, paper is sturdy, and stamps are intact. * Estimated value of the document: firmly assessed between €140 and €250. * Elements of utmost rarity: The direct commercial link with the Russian Club of Hankow, the Chinese HSBC stamp, and the front signed by the Gutiérrez Hermanos wine firm place this piece at the pinnacle of rarity for this type of commercial archive. IA description help Excellent historical value for Scripophily They are kept in A4 PVC sleeves. Condition good. See the image for a proper impression Shipped with Registered Mail with tracking included and Protective Packaging.

Estimate:£211.28

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