October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
This four-language printed letter bears the signature of Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, founder of the University of Virginia, and the president responsible for the Louisiana Purchase. The official document – measuring approximately 20” x 16” – was formally endorsed by Secretary of State James Madison, delegate to the Continental Congress, framer and signer of the Constitution, and the fourth President of the United States. Finally, the impressive piece has been countersigned by David Gelston, former Speaker of the New York State Assembly who served as Collector of the Port of New York from 1801 through 1821. The three men's signatures on this ship's paper, dated September 29, 1802, constituted authorization for the 314-ton ship, Maryland, under the command of James Webb, to proceed to London with her cargo of ashes, bark, cotton, crackers, turpentine and other commodities. The content of the certificate's text, in accordance with accepted practice, is duplicated on its surface in the French, Spanish, English and Dutch languages. Its official signatures – applicable to the filled-in English segment of the document – reflect care in application and quality in preservation: the sitting President's "Th. Jefferson" scripting; the name of his Cabinet officer, "James Madison"; and that of the Port Collector, "David Gelston." The irregularly cut paper relic exhibits natural cracks and splits at standard folds, but these do not impinge upon the signatures. Overall eye appeal of this historical relic remains impressive. The document’s off-white Presidential Seal is securely attached, along with the smaller Port of New York Seal, at the document's left aspect. An incredible artifact, this piece showcases its highly desirable presidential pairing against an important and visually splendid surrounding. This item comes with a full LOA from JSA