Cheque drawn on Coutts Bank, the Strand, London, in favour of Lady Olliff  for the sum of three pounds four shillings and sixpence. 5th May 1862. Endorsed on verso by Ring & Brymer (the food suppliers and confectioners).  The date, payee's name and sum in the hand of Charles Dickens and signed with his characteristic signature.

 

The usual ink cancellation marks (partly touching signature). Very light mounting traces to verso, else in fine condition. 

 

Provenance:  From an album compiled by Florence Pearl Faithfull (known as "Pearl"), later Lady Dilke.  Pearl Faithfull was the daughter of H.M Faithfull, solicitor of Sydney, New South Wales and the grand-daughter of the Australian pioneer and politician William Pitt Faithfull.  In 1915 she married Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke but following his insanity and subsequent death in 1918 she returned to Australia.  Many of the autographs in Pearl Faithfull's collection have an Australian connection.