553

Lot 553: 1911 Society of Cincinnati Doc.

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Lot  553: 1911 Society of Cincinnati Doc.
<b>Prints</b><hr><b>Printed from the original metal plate made in 1783!</b>

<b>(SOCIETY OF CINCINNATI).</b>
Partly printed Society of Cincinnati Membership Document, on vellum, dated April 8, 1911, Raleigh, NC, 18.5' x 24,' Choice Extremely Fine or better. Printed from the original metal plate made in 1783! The document states that 'James Sloan, Great-great-grandnephew of Cornet James McDougal, Continental Line, is a Member of the Society of the Cincinnati, instituted by the Officers of the American Army, at the Period of its Dissolution, as well to commemorate the great Event which gave Independence to North America, as for the laudable Purpose of inculcating the Duty of laying down in Peace Arms assumed for public Defence, and of uniting in Acts of brotherly Affection and Bonds of perpetual Friendship the Members constituting the same....' A beautiful piece with huge margins all around and a super-clean, bright appearance. The brown-inked signatures and dates are all bold and clearly legible. The document features detailed illustrations of an heraldic eagle at top, a naval battle scene at bottom, a trumpeting angel at right, and an armored knight at left trampling the British flag and chasing away a lion and Britannia herself. A faint, embossed seal appears at lower center. The large vignettes create a sense of vibrancy. Very scarce!

Henry Knox created the Society, serving as its first secretary, and Washington served as its first president. It was named after Cincinnatus, a Roman general and statesman who was admired as a model of simplicity, ability, and republican virtue.