Orville Wright and Lorin Wright—Four Wright Family Checks, 1918–1944 For Sale

The group begins with an October 2, 1918 check payable to Philadelphia’s renowned Franklin Institute for $5.00. It is written and signed in Orville’s name by Lorin Wright and carries the Institute’s endorsement on the reverse. The association is especially appealing because the Franklin Institute later awarded Orville Wright its prestigious Franklin Medal.

A second check, dated August 1, 1921, is payable to Lorin Wright for $78.00. It was completed and signed in Orville’s name by Lorin and bears Lorin’s endorsement on the reverse. The third, dated October 8, 1921, is payable to Mabel Beck, Orville’s longtime secretary and trusted assistant, for $20.00. This check was likewise written and signed in Orville’s name by Lorin, with Beck’s endorsement appearing on the reverse.

The final check, dated January 21, 1944, is drawn for the substantial amount of $500 and bears the authentic handwritten signature “Orville Wright.”

• October 2, 1918: $5 check payable to the Franklin Institute, completed and signed in Orville Wright’s name by Lorin Wright.
• August 1, 1921: $78 check payable to Lorin Wright, completed and signed in Orville’s name by Lorin Wright, with Lorin’s endorsement on the reverse.
• October 8, 1921: $20 check payable to Mabel Beck, completed and signed in Orville’s name by Lorin Wright, with Beck’s endorsement on the reverse.
• January 21, 1944: $500 check bearing the authentic handwritten signature of Orville Wright.

Together, the four checks document the close personal and financial relationships surrounding Orville Wright: his brother Lorin, his secretary Mabel Beck and the Franklin Institute. They bear normal banking stamps, cancellation perforations, folds and evidence of use. The signatures and handwriting remain readily legible.