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Rare January 1st 1800 Elegiac Poem

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:4,750.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Rare January 1st 1800 Elegiac Poem
Washington Related

Extremely Rare January 1st 1800 “An Elegiac Poem on the Death of George Washington Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States.” Listed in “Threads” Item 18

January 1, 1800-Dated, Memorial Poem Broadside Printed upon White Silk, titled “An Elegiac Poem on the Death of George Washington Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States, Who died at Mount Vernon, Virginia, 14th December, 1799, Aged 69 years. Dedicated to the Citizens of the Unites States.”, Printed by R. Aitken (Error spelling “RPINTED”), “Threads of History” Item 18 on page 56, Fine.

This original, Black on White Silk Memorial Broadside is exceedingly rare. It was issued in the wake of George Washington's death and measures 13" x 18" having soiling along the left and right outer edges along with some scattered splits and has significant separation at the centerfold, but is in fine condition overall with a nice whole appearance. Given its fine, delicate nature and age, it is surprising that any examples have survived at all. The poem is written in three vertical columns and displayed within a decorative pediment and arch design. It was printed very shortly after Washington's death, on January 1, 1800, by R. Aitken and is listed in the "Threads of History" reference book as #18. An important opportunity as it is exceedingly rare, one of the earliest of all American printed historic textiles, and the first we have offered.