LOT #21568 |
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Ivoryette Cabinet Card Photograph of Annie Wintermuth - Shirlaw's Model for the $5 Educational Silver Certificate.. ...
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Sold on May 2, 2025 for:
$2,400.00
Bid Source: Internet bidder
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Description
Annie Wintermuth Cabinet Card
Subject Model for The Pinnacle of United States Banknote Design
Ivoryette Cabinet Card Photograph of Annie Wintermuth -
Shirlaw's Model for the $5 Educational Silver Certificate.Dated 1893, this ivoryette cabinet card depicting Miss Annie Wintermuth originates from the estate of Frederick Brandon Smillie, son of renowned banknote engraver G.F.C. "Fred" Smillie. An inscription on the reverse, signed by Fred, reads: "Miss Annie Wintermuth of New York City; Original for central figure and face in engraving of Shirlaw's $5.00 'picture note' silver certificate of 1894-5." This note refers to Walter Shirlaw's celebrated vignette Electricity Presenting Light to the World, which appeared on the 1896 $5 Educational Series Silver Certificate-long regarded as arguably the most beautiful design in the history of U.S. paper money.
The identification of Wintermuth as the model for this central allegorical figure represents a remarkable discovery. While the design has been widely studied for its artistic and allegorical content, the identity of the figure's model has remained undocumented-until now. This cabinet card provides a rare, tangible link between the artistic conception of the note and its real-life inspiration, adding to our understanding of both Shirlaw's process and the broader historical context of the Educational Series.
PROVENANCE:
Estate of Frederick B. Smillie, son of G.F.C. Smillie
Acquired by the present owner from the above.
Auction Info
2025 April 29 - May 2 CSNS US Currency Signature® Auction #3598 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
Apr-May, 2025
29th-2nd
Tuesday-Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 11
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 355
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid per lot.
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