1884 CBOT Membership Ticket — Edward S. Washburn (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 Edward S. Washburn 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.

Edward S. Washburn was a partner with Field, Lindley & Co. who later moved to Kansas City in executive roles as President and General Manager of two major rail lines: Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis Railroad and the Kansas City, Memphis & Birmingham Railroad. He was also a member of the fast-paced "Call Board" (Chicago Provision and Grain Stock Board), which facilitated speculative trading in the 1880s.

Field, Lindley & Co. — History & Relevance

Field, Lindley & Co. was established in 1877 by Edward Morse Field and Daniel Lindley, backed by Cyrus West Field’s wealth and influence. The firm rose to prominence on New York’s financial scene with aggressive market activity during a period of intense speculation. In 1891, the firm faced insolvency and litigation, reshaping both New York and Chicago brokerage landscapes. This ticket reflects the firm’s prominence in the 1880s and its connection to Chicago’s CBOT ecosystem.

Provenance & Signatures

- Recipient: E. S. Washburn (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: Edward S. Washburn (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.

Specifications