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Antique "1857" Declaration of Independence

Offered by: Historical Americana

Description
Email to purchase or ask question: flaginfo2012@gmail.com
Authentic antique original 1857 Declaration. RARE ANTIQUE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE FROM 1857
DOCUMENT 15X19 FRAME 28X32
Description
Declaration of Independence from 1857

Offered is a broadside titled “The Declaration of Independence and Portraits of the Presidents,” This one-page broadside measures 24.5” x 19”. Along the bottom edge of image it reads, “Engraved & Printed by Illman & Sons. 603 Arch St. Philada” [1858] Oval portraits of the first 15 U.S. Presidents encircle the text of the Declaration of Independence and facsimile signatures of all 56 Signers and is surrounded by an ornate floral border. Lightly printed across top are the Presidents’ names and years each served; the last pictured listed is “Buchanan. 1857”. A vertical tear at top center extends through a wide margin into “1797” of Washington’s last year. There is also vertical tear in the lower center. Tears, which have been mended, do not touch the image.

Declaration of Independence from 1857 One like this hangs in the US Capitol in Washington DC.

By the early 19th century, the generation after the one which had fought for independence was maturing, and, having been born after the war, many had never seen the text of the Declaration. America had also just fought the "Second Revolution" (War of 1812). The perception of the Declaration was changing, from an instrument declaring separation from Britain, to a symbol of American nationalism. A number of engravers and printers began preparing their interpretations of the document. In particular, the versions published by Benjamin Tyler, who employed script text and accurate facsimiles of the signatures, and John Binns, who produced this ornamental version which embodied other symbols of nationalism along with the Declaration. Tyler cut his price when Binns announced his intent to publish this broadside, so in response, Binns sought government recognition. He added to the bottom of his masterpiece: Department of State, 19th, April 1819. I certify, that this is a Correct copy of the original Declaration of Independence, deposited at this Department; and that I have compared all the signatures of the original, and found them Exact Imitations along with a facsimile of John Quincy Adams' signature. Shortly after this, however, Adams commissioned William J. Stone to produce an exact copy, to serve as the official government instrument, thus leaving Binns "high and dry." Most copies of the Declaration seen today are derived from the Stone engraving, and the Binns and Tyler versions are relatively difficult to obtain. Bidwell 3.

Museum framing with UV acrylic
Comes with our Certificate of Authenticity
flaginfo2012@gmail.com
Free shipping to 48 States, fob Atlanta Ga

More Information

Origin:	United States
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Paper
Condition:	Good. Very nice original untouched condition, with museum framing
Creation Date:	1857
Styles / Movements:	Americana, Traditional
Patterns:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	8690
Incollect Reference #:	498180