Two Early Smithfield, Rhode Island Meeting-House Lottery Tickets

1p, measuring 5.25" x 2.125", Smithfield, Rhode Island, dated circa October 1807. A First Class ticket, numbered "381 - 3 dollars." Signed by Ananias Mowry Jr., Manager. Printed on face of ticket: "THIS Ticket shall entitle the bearer to receive the prize that may be drawn against its number, agreeably to an act of the Legislature of the State of Rhode-Island, passed at October session, 1807. Subject to a deduction of 12 1-2 per cent." Intricate black bordered decoration. Signed on verso: "Elisha Mowry."

1p, measuring 6" x 2.75", Smithfield, Rhode Island, undated. A Sixth Class ticket, numbered "593." Signed by Ananias Mowry Jr., Manager. Printed on face of ticket: "THIS TICKET shall entitle the bearer to receive the prize that may be drawn against its number, agreeably to an act of the Legislature of the State of Rhode-Island, passed at October session, 1807. Subject to a deduction of 12 1-2 per cent." Intricate black bordered decoration.

Both tickets possess light toning and soiling throughout, along with uneven edges. The lottery tickets were sold to raise funds for a "Meeting House", or church, in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Such lotteries were commonplace to raise money for building projects but had to be sanctioned by the state. Each ticket was hand numbered and printed in a series of “classes”, one through six. The town of Smithfield resided in what is now the present day towns of North Smithfield, Lincoln, Central Falls, and a portion of Woonsocket. Mowry and others were able to raise a total of four thousand dollars to build their Meeting House, which was built on Green Street and still survives today as a private residence.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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