7595

February 12, 1750 Lower Manhattan Deed.

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:45.00 - 60.00 USD
February 12, 1750 Lower Manhattan Deed.
February 12, 1750 Lower Manhattan Deed.<p>This huge two-page indenture measures 29"x24" for its larger page, and 29"x18" for its second sheet. It's written in dark, clear calligraphy. The two pages are tied together by their original ribbon, from which hangs a large paper-and-wax seal of the City of New York. The deed transfers property from Benjamin Moore to William Beekman. Benjamin Moore, for whom North Moore Street in Manhattan is named, was simultaneously Rector of Trinity Church, Episcopalian Bishop of New York and President of Columbia College. He also was the father of Clement C. Moore, who wrote "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" (actually titled 'A Visit from St. Nicholas.') The younger Moore divided his father's estate into lots for development in the area of Manhattan that is now known as Chelsea. The deed is witnessed and signed by Edward Holland, who was then Mayor. The property transferred by this deed lies just north of what is now the South Street Seaport museum between Water and Front Street. Heritage is pleased to have the opportunity to offer this collection of early Manhattan property deeds and other fascinating historical documents for public auction sale in the singularly appropriate venue: Manhattan. The items will be sold as lots 7590-7597. The variety of super-condition papers in this set, rife with signatures of many of the prominent Colonial gentleman whose names still grace lower Manhattan's financial-district streets, comprise an array of historical documents which transfer ownership of Manhattan property, divided into lots, among the young city's early citizens. New Yorkers will recognize many of the names of the signers of these interesting deeds - Beekman, for instance - as the street names in their town. These are the earliest New York City deeds we have seen, and they are of great historical interest. One of the lots of land whose transfer was literally signed and sealed by a deed in this great collection lies - according to our own fervent, primary-source research - on the site of George Washington's executive mansion, where he and Martha Washington actually resided while New York enjoyed the status of Capital of the United States of America. Another one of the deeds outlines a parcel of property in the shadow of where the Twin Towers proudly held their ground. We are accustomed to seeing vaguely similar English deeds, which close the transfer of property in England, sell in the $200-$300 range here in the United States essentially on the bases of their attractive appearance and historical authenticity. The Colonial American paperwork we offer here is earlier and in even better condition than the English documents we have seen. And the material comes from an old-time collection to boot. Because these items are not available elsewhere, venturing an estimate is impossible, but solid four-figure realizations are likely. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per hour. Sometimes eBay Premier live bid software cannot keep up with that pace, so we strongly recommend that you place a realistic proxy bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Also please note that all Heritage/CAA lots purchased through eBay Premier carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions.