Thomas Edison Signed Edison Botanic Corporation Check. Rubber Research Era. For Sale

THOMAS A. EDISON Signed 1929 Edison Botanic Research Corporation Check – West Orange NJ – Rubber Research Era

Original June 1929 check issued by the Edison Botanic Research Corporation of West Orange, New Jersey, bearing the signature "Thos. A. Edison."

This check originates from Edison's fascinating late-career efforts to develop a domestic source of natural rubber through the Edison Botanic Research Corporation. The corporation represented one of Edison's final major scientific ventures and remains an important chapter in American industrial history.

Details:

Date: June 1929

Amount: $80.00

Corporation: Edison Botanic Research Corporation

Location: West Orange, New Jersey

Drawn on Savings Investment & Trust Company, East Orange, NJ

Signed "Thos. A. Edison"

Original banking and endorsement stamps on reverse

Attractive and displayable example from Edison's final years

Thomas Edison (1847–1931) is among the most influential inventors in world history, holding over 1,000 patents and helping shape the modern electrical age. Documents directly associated with his business enterprises remain highly sought after by collectors.

Condition: Original circulated check showing expected folds, handling wear, banking cancellations, and endorsement markings consistent with age and use.

Authentication: Offered as an original historical document. Buyers are encouraged to obtain independent third-party authentication if desired.

A scarce and desirable Edison-related artifact from one of his final research enterprises.

Walter Hullmann worked as an administrative clerk or bookkeeper for Thomas Edison's corporate operations in West Orange, New Jersey.While Thomas Edison is famous for hiring brilliant laboratory "muckers" (chemists, engineers, and machinists), he also required a large administrative support staff to run the complex business and payroll operations of his various enterprises.Evidence of His RoleHistorical payroll records and corporate checks show specific details about Hullmann's employment:The Edison Botanic Research Corp: In 1929, Hullmann was routinely receiving checks from the Edison Botanic Research Corporation. This specific wing of Edison's company was tasked with finding a domestic, plant-based substitute for natural rubber.Compensation and Payroll: Surviving checks show Hullmann was paid regular, consistent amounts—such as $80.00 to $85.00 every couple of weeks. In 1929, this was a solid, upper-average wage for an office clerk, office manager, or bookkeeper, rather than the hourly wage of a standard laboratory laborer or field worker.Financial Duties: Because these payroll checks were drawn from major New York institutions like the American Exchange Irving Trust Company, Hullmann and the clerical team handled the processing and daily financial balancing for Edison's late-career projects.Hullmann was essentially one of the trusted "behind-the-scenes" staff members who kept Edison's massive research machine funded, organized, and running smoothly on a day-to-day basis.