76

Lot 76: Declaration of Independence Linen

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Lot   76: Declaration of Independence Linen
<b>Autographs</b><hr><b>Dramatic, Early Linen Printing of the Declaration of Independence</b>

<b>(DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE).</b>
Rare c. 1830 Printing on Linen of the 'Declaration of Independence' by the Boston Chemical Printing Company, Fine or better. 14.75' x 16.25.' Printed in black ink on a fine, cotton linen. An identical piece is illustrated in Herbert Ridgeway CollinsÕ 'Threads of History' under his number 74. There the piece is described as a 'handkerchief,' although we doubt if these were ever used as such (can you imagine blowing your nose into the Declaration of Independence?). Titled 'The Unanimous Declaration of Independence,' this piece features the full text of the Declaration topped by a spread eagle and bordered by a square outline of interlocked circles. Also includes a list of the Colonies and the Signers, a letter from John Adams, dated July 5, 1776, a calendar of events, such as the Treaty of Paris and the Constitutional Convention, plus additional historic information. This piece shows fairly uniform age toning, some due perhaps to dampstaining, and some small spots affect the bottom of the textile, just left of center. Full stitched edges all around, indicating that this piece has never been trimmed. In terms of quality, this one compares favorably with the piece in the Smithsonian Institution, illustrated in the above-mentioned 'Threads of History.' WeÕve never seen or handled another and we fully expect the price to meet or exceed our estimate range.