Original 1828 Pennsylvania German promissory note signed by Carl Gok / Carl Gock, payable to Charles S. Seidel, with later endorsements involving Wentz & Cramer, Henry Cramer, and John George Ritter.
This is a highly researchable early Pennsylvania German financial manuscript connected to the same German-American print, publishing, and legal-commercial world as several important Reading and Philadelphia figures of the 1820s.
The original note is dated January 12, 1828 and reads, in part:
“On demand I promise to pay to Charles S. Seidel or order one hundred twenty one 30/100 dollars without defalcation for value received this 12th day of January 1828.”
It is signed:
“Carl Gok”
The name appears to correspond to Carl Gock, the Pennsylvania German author associated with the rare 1822 Reading imprint “Die Vertheidigung der Freyen Kirche von Nord-Amerika” and other German-language religious and educational works. The spelling Gok / Gock appears consistent with period spelling variation and German-American manuscript usage.
The reverse / endorsement side includes:
“Pay to Wentz & Cramer”
Signed:
“Charles S. Seidel”
Below that is a German-language business endorsement referencing Johann / John George Ritter, dated Philadelphia, 28 January 1829, and signed by Henry Cramer, with Wentz & Cramer also appearing below.
John George Ritter is a significant German-American printing and publishing name. Ritter was associated with the early German-language newspaper and publishing trade in Philadelphia, including the Amerikanischer Correspondent. His appearance on this note adds a strong German-American printing and business-history association.
This is not a generic early promissory note. It has multiple desirable features:
Signed by Carl Gok / Carl Gock
Dated January 12, 1828
Payable to Charles S. Seidel
Amount: $121.30
Uses the period legal phrase “without defalcation”
Later endorsed to Wentz & Cramer
German-language endorsement referencing John George Ritter
Philadelphia endorsement dated January 28, 1829
Signed by Henry Cramer
Connected to Pennsylvania German religious, commercial, and publishing history
The note is especially appealing as a signed financial document tied to Carl Gock, a scarce Pennsylvania German author, and to John George Ritter, a major German-American printer/publisher/bookseller figure.
The presence of both English legal-commercial wording and German endorsement language makes this a strong crossover piece for collectors of early American finance, Pennsylvania German manuscripts, German-language publishing history, religious controversy, and genealogy.
Partial Transcription
Side 2:
“On demand I promise to pay to Charles S. Seidel or order one hundred twenty one 30/100 dollars without defalcation for value received this 12th day of January 1828.
Carl Gok”
Side 1:
“Pay to Wentz & Cramer
Charles S. Seidel”
German endorsement below references John George Ritter, Philadelphia, 28 January 1829, Henry Cramer, and Wentz & Cramer.
Condition
Original antique manuscript promissory note. Fold lines, age toning, light stains, handling wear, minor edge wear, and small paper/adhesive remnant along upper edge. Ink remains strong and legible overall. Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description.
Item Specifics
Type: Promissory Note / Manuscript Financial Document
Date: January 12, 1828
Endorsement Date: January 28, 1829
Location: Pennsylvania / Philadelphia
Primary Name: Carl Gok / Carl Gock
Payee: Charles S. Seidel
Associated Names: John George Ritter; Henry Cramer; Wentz & Cramer
Amount: $121.30
Language: English and German
Subject: Promissory note, endorsement, Pennsylvania German business, German-American publishing, early American finance
Material: Paper
Era: Early 19th Century
Signed: Yes
Signed By: Carl Gok / Carl Gock; Charles S. Seidel; Henry Cramer
Condition: Antique used condition with folds, toning, stains, and handling wear
Seller Notes
Original 1828 promissory note signed by Carl Gok / Carl Gock, payable to Charles S. Seidel for $121.30 “without defalcation,” with 1829 German-language endorsements involving John George Ritter, Henry Cramer, and Wentz & Cramer. Early Pennsylvania German / Philadelphia commercial and publishing-related manuscript. Fold lines, toning, stains, and age wear.
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