1884 CBOT Membership Ticket — M. King (Field, Lindley & Co.) Signed by E. Nelson Blake

Own a distinguished piece of Chicago’s financial history. This authentic 1884 Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) membership ticket was issued to McIlwain King (“M. King”) of Field, Lindley & Co. and hand-signed by CBOT President E. Nelson Blake. The back features an engraved vignette of the original CBOT building, dating this item to a pivotal era in exchange history.

Ideal for collectors of 19th-century American finance, CBOT memorabilia, and Chicago exchange artifacts. This ticket is a compelling display piece for offices, libraries, and private collections focused on the evolution of U.S. commodity exchanges.

Provenance & Signature

- Recipient: M. King (Field, Lindley & Co.)
- President (hand-signed): E. Nelson Blake (CBOT President, 1884–1885) - Printer: Western Bank Note & Engraving Company, Chicago

Historical Context

E. Nelson Blake served as CBOT President during 1884–1885 and later became the first president of the University of Chicago Board, appointed by J.D. Rockefeller. Blake presided over the 1885 opening of the CBOT’s new building just a year later, Chicago’s tallest structure at the time, marking a milestone in exchange history.

Item Overview: 1884 CBOT Membership Ticket

• Date / Era: 1884
• Recipient: M. King (Field, Lindley & Co.)
• Signature: E. Nelson Blake (CBOT President)
• Printer: Western Bank Note & Engraving Company, Chicago
• Engraving: Back features original CBOT building engraving
• Dimensions: Approximately 4" x 2.5"
• Condition: Excellent; as pictured

Engraving Context: CBOT Building

The back engraving depicts the original CBOT building prior to the 1885 construction of the newer towered structure, adding architectural and historic interest to this artifact.

Display & Collectibility

Perfect for collectors of CBOT ephemera, 19th-century brokerage documents, and Chicago/New York exchange history. An excellent centerpiece for museum-style displays, office decor, and study rooms focused on early American finance.

Specifications