1884 CBOT Membership Ticket — Alfred W. Seymour (Field, Lindley & Co.) Signed by E. Nelson Blake

Explore a noteworthy piece of Chicago’s financial past. This authentic 1884 Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) membership ticket was issued to Alfred W. Seymour of Field, Lindley & Co. and bears the hand-signed endorsement of CBOT President E. Nelson Blake. The reverse features an engraved vignette of the original CBOT building, anchoring the item to a pivotal moment in exchange history.

Field, Lindley & Co. — History & Relevance

Field, Lindley & Co. emerged in the late 19th century as a prominent New York-based brokerage firm with aggressive trading activity, backed by Cyrus West Field’s influence. The firm’s operations intersected with Chicago’s CBOT ecosystem during a dynamic era of cross-market activity between New York and Chicago. This ticket highlights the firm’s presence within the CBOT community in the 1880s.

Provenance & Signatures

- Recipient: A. W. Seymour (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 led the CBOT during 1884–1885 and later became the first president of the University of Chicago Board, appointed by J.D. Rockefeller. Blake oversaw the 1885 celebration of the CBOT’s new building, then Chicago’s tallest structure, marking a milestone in exchange history.

Item Overview: 1884 CBOT Membership Ticket

• Date / Era: 1884
• Recipient: Alfred W. Seymour (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 CBOT’s original building before the 1885 construction of the newer towered structure, adding architectural and historic interest to this artifact.

Display & Collectibility

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

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