Oversized (8" x 4") bank check matted and framed in a modern frame. Ilion Bank of Herkimer Co. check dated January 9, 1855 and made out to Corning & Company. It contains five attractive engravings along with a decorative border. Remington's signature in ink is bold and clear - "E. Remington Prest".

A rare and desirable signature by the founder of a premier American arms company. Growing up in New York State in the early 1800's, Remington became interested in forging, and in 1816 made himself a flintlock rifle barrel. Admired by the gunsmith who fitted the stock, orders for similar guns began coming in and a new company was born. Remington went on to build a factory on the Erie Canal at the present site of Ilion, NY, where this check is from. The Remington rifle was prized for its accuracy, and the business became very successful. In 1845 he bought out Ames & Co. of Springfield, MA, and shortly thereafter won a contract to supply the government with rifles. In 1847 Remington began supplying the US Navy with its first breechloading rifle, the Jenks carbine. The Civil War brought Remington large government contracts for rifles and small arms.