Jack Benny 39-cent Check

[Al Dente]

In going through some files from my grandfather's estate, I came across an uncashed bank check made out to my granddad. Here are some of the details:

-It has Jack Benny's picture on it
-It is for the amount of 39 cents
-It is signed by Jack Benny
-On the PTTO line, it reads: “It kills me to say this, but… Pay To The Order Of-“
-It is drawn on the Bank Of America, Hollywood, California.
-It says at the bottom: “This check is legal tender but ceases to be valid thirty-nine days after date of issue”.
-As far as I can tell, is a real, hand-written check.

I can provide a scan of the check if anyone wants to see it.

Would anyone have any idea as to what the story behind this might have been? My assumption is that it was some sort of promotion, but I have searched the internet and could find nothing.

Thanks in advance.

[LLeff]

Would anyone have any idea as to what the story behind this might have been? My assumption is that it was some sort of promotion, but I have searched the internet and could find nothing.

Yepper. Your grandfather (or someone he knew) worked for State Farm Insurance and made their target level of sales while State Farm sponsored Jack's program. If your grandfather was REALLY a super salesman, you may also find a little statue of a Maxwell on a wooden base that, when you crank the front crank, plays the State Farm Insurance jingle.