Spain, Brazil. 1 Lettera di cambio 1926 1926

This historical document is an international Bill of Exchange (Letra de Cambio) issued in Brazil in 1926, printed on London & Brazilian Bank Ltd forms on behalf of Bank of London & South America, Limited (an institution born from the merger of the two entities a few years earlier, in 1923). It is an exceptionally interesting piece for currency collectors, banking and transatlantic commercial history, as it unites three different nations in the same transaction: Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Spain. ## Detailed Description of the Front (Recto) * Place and Date of Issue: Completed in São Paulo (San Paolo, Brazil) on December 20, 1926. * Amount: At the top right the value is shown as Ps. 911,49 (i.e., 911 Pesetas and 49 céntimos). The handwritten text in Spanish confirms it: "la cantidad de Nuevecienctos y once pesetas, 49 cts.". * Payee and Clause: The bill orders payment to Gutierrez Hermanos. In the center dominates the large pre-printed vertical inscription "DUPLICADA", indicating that this form is the second issued copy (a safety practice for transatlantic travel: if the first was lost at sea, the second was used). * Supporting Bank and Drawee: Payment must be made at Banco Español de Crédito in Jerez de la Frontera (famous wine-producing city of Andalusia, Spain). * Issuance Notes: At the bottom left the wording reads "Por cuenta de Lazard, Brothers & Co. Madrid - España", demonstrating the complex credit network involving the famous Lazard investment bank. * Graphical Elements: Stunning masthead with the shaded Gothic typeface of London & Brazilian Bank Ltd. On the left there is a decorative guilloché shoulder with an intricate central monogram. Bottom right bear the autograph signatures of the branch officials (Accountant and Sub-Manager). ## Description of the Back (Verso) The back of the document offers essential details for its authenticity and for the Brazilian tax history of the period: * State Control Stamp: A large purple circular stamp in Portuguese reads "PARA OS EFFEITOS DE FISCALIZAÇÃO BANCARIA - S. PAULO - 20 DEZ 1926 - VISTO - O Fiscal do Governo" followed by the government inspector’s autograph. It served to certify that the transfer of foreign currency had been authorized and registered by the Brazilian State. * Revenue Stamp and Linear Stamp: There is an official Brazilian revenue stamp (orange/brown, with the inscription Thesouro Nacional) canceled by a linear date stamp from the bank itself: "BANK OF LONDON SOUTH AMERICA LTD - 20 DEZ 1926 - SÃO PAULO". * Strengths: The document is complete, intact, and shows no tears. The fact that it was issued in Brazil in a European currency (Pesetas) to be cashed in a specific historic Spanish location (Jerez de la Frontera, known for Sherry export) greatly increases interest for Spanish-themed collectors. The presence of the Brazilian tax stamp and the government tax authority stamp on the back adds substantial historical-documentary value. * Signs of Time: The paper shows some classic humidity foxing (brownish spots), entirely normal for a centennial paper document from tropical climates, which do not compromise readability but help stabilize its market price. IA product description help Excellent historical value for Scripophily They are stored in PVC A4 envelopes. Good preservation. Look at the image for a proper impression Ships with Registered Mail and tracking included and Protected Packaging.

Estimate:£127.08

View all items fromCatawikiorToys & Collectables