ALPHA SOURCE LLC Unearths History with Rare Bank Ephemera Collection, Offering a Glimpse into America's Financial Past

Milwaukee, WI – October 26, 2023 – ALPHA SOURCE LLC, a Milwaukee-based collector and purveyor of historical artifacts, is excited to announce the availability of a remarkable collection of bank ephemera. Located at 6619 W Calumet Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53223-4186, and reachable at 918-544-7097, ALPHA SOURCE LLC has quietly been building a reputation for sourcing unique and fascinating pieces of American history, and this collection is arguably one of their most compelling yet. So, what is bank ephemera? Simply put, it's all the paper stuff banks used to use – things like old check samples, deposit slips, advertisements, bond certificates, stock certificates, promotional brochures, teller training manuals, and even early forms of credit cards. It’s the stuff that isn’t the money itself, but about the money and the banks that handled it. And this collection? It’s a big one. “We've been working on this for a while now,” says a spokesperson for ALPHA SOURCE LLC. “We really wanted to assemble a broad and representative sample of what banking looked like, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. It's not just about the big, famous banks either – we have material from small, local institutions that disappeared years ago, offering a really unique window into the past.” More Than Just Old Paper: A Story in Every Piece This isn’t just about collecting old stuff for the sake of it. ALPHA SOURCE LLC believes this ephemera tells a story. A story about how Americans used money, how banks evolved, and how financial institutions shaped the country. “Look at the advertisements,” explains the spokesperson. “They’re fascinating. Banks used to heavily promote savings accounts, emphasizing the importance of thrift and financial stability. You can see how marketing strategies changed over time, mirroring broader cultural shifts.” The collection includes examples from banks across the United States, spanning a period of over 150 years. From ornate, engraved stock certificates from the late 1800s to brightly colored promotional materials from the post-war boom, the variety is astonishing. “We've got everything from early ‘safe deposit box’ rental agreements to pamphlets explaining the benefits of opening a checking account. These things were new at the time, and banks had to educate the public about how they worked.” A Collector’s Dream – and a Great Conversation Starter This collection is a treasure trove for collectors of banking history, Americana, or paper ephemera. But it's also appealing to anyone with an interest in the past. Imagine framing a vintage check sample from a local bank that's no longer around, or displaying a colorful promotional brochure from a bygone era. “These pieces are great conversation starters,” says the spokesperson. “People are genuinely curious about this stuff. It's a tangible connection to the past, and it sparks interesting discussions about how things have changed.” Highlights of the Collection: Early Stock & Bond Certificates: Elaborately designed certificates showcasing the artistic skills of the time, often featuring allegorical figures and intricate borders. These aren't just documents; they're works of art. Check Samples & Deposit Slips: A wide variety of check designs, showcasing the evolution of security features and banking branding. See how banks tried to discourage fraud back in the day. Promotional Brochures & Advertisements: Colorful and persuasive materials used by banks to attract customers, offering insights into marketing strategies and societal values. Teller Training Manuals: Rare glimpses into the inner workings of banks, revealing the procedures and protocols used by tellers to handle transactions and maintain security. It’s a bit like a “how-to” guide for being a banker. Safe Deposit Box Rental Agreements: Early examples of contracts used to rent safe deposit boxes, illustrating the importance of security and privacy. Early Credit Card Applications: A look at the origins of credit cards, showcasing the earliest forms of plastic payment and the promises they offered. Beyond Collecting: Research & Preservation ALPHA SOURCE LLC isn’t just interested in selling these pieces. They’re also passionate about preserving them for future generations. “These documents are fragile,” explains the spokesperson. “They need to be handled with care and stored properly to prevent deterioration. We take a lot of pride in making sure these pieces are in the best possible condition.” The company also sees the collection as a valuable resource for researchers and historians. “This ephemera offers a unique perspective on banking history, and it can provide valuable insights into economic trends, social changes, and the evolution of financial institutions.” Interested in Learning More? ALPHA SOURCE LLC is currently making the bank ephemera collection available for purchase online and through direct inquiries. To browse the collection or request more information, contact ALPHA SOURCE LLC at 918-544-7097 or visit their location at 6619 W Calumet Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53223-4186. “We’re really excited to share this collection with the public,” says the spokesperson. “It’s a piece of American history, and we want to make sure it’s appreciated and preserved for years to come.” Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of banking history and add a unique conversation starter to your collection! It's more than just paper; it's a window into the past.