LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Grand Format Autographs #629  / 

25282

David Rittenhouse Signed Revolutionary War Order

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:450.00 USD Estimated At:1,800.00 - 2,000.00 USD
David Rittenhouse Signed Revolutionary War Order
<B>David Rittenhouse Signed Revolutionary War Dated Order</B></I> "<I>Davd. Rittenhouse Treasurer</B></I>". One page, 6.5" x 7", Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 23, 1782. Signed while Rittenhouse was the Treasurer of Pennsylvania; this is a pay order to Daniel Montgomery, Daniel Rees, and Captain Joseph Green, for a total of 24 pounds, 11 shillings, and 3 pence and is docketed on the back. Some reinforcement along the folds using some early archival tape on the back, and not affecting Rittenhouse's large signature, which measures 2.5" wide. Rittenhouse would shortly thereafter assume control of the newly created United States Mint, where he served for the first three years of its existence. He was an American astronomer and instrument maker, born near Germantown, Pennsylvania. He was self-educated, a clock-maker by trade, and developed great skill in the making of mathematical instruments. He was called upon to determine, with his own instruments, the boundary lines of several states and also part of the boundary known as the Mason-Dixon Line. In 1769 he was asked by the American Philosophical Society to observe the transit of Venus. His contributions include the use of measured grating intervals and spider threads on the focus of the telescope. Active in public affairs, he was a member of the convention that framed Pennsylvania's constitution and was state treasurer from 1777 to 1789, and director of the U.S. Mint. After the Revolution he was an Anti-Federalist, and succeeded Benjamin Franklin as president of the American Philosophical Society. The document is in fine condition, with some dark toning present below the signature, slightly rounded and bent corners, and usual folds.
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