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Peter Force's 1833 Printing of the Declaration of Independence....
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Sold on Apr 5, 2024 for:
$21,875.00
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Description
Peter Force's 1833 Printing of the Declaration of Independence. Copperplate engraving on rice paper, 24.75" x 30", [Washington]; 1833. Engraved by William J. Stone, reprinted for Peter Force in 1833 (historically misdated as 1848) from Stone's copperplate.This printing of the Declaration of Independence appeared as an insert in American Archives: A Documentary History of the United States of America, Series V, Volume 1, compiled by Peter Force. Crafted by printer William J. Stone in 1823, the copperplate used to produce the present copy was originally commissioned by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams in 1820. Over the course of the next three years, Stone "painstakingly traced" the plate from the original Declaration of Independence. After completing 200 copies, Stone removed the legend from the top of the copperplate and added the imprint "W.J. STONE SC. WASHN." In 1833, Congress authorized the publication of another 1500 copies. Peter Force, historical enthusiast and mayor of Washington, D.C., arranged for his friend Stone to produce the facsimiles. The printer vastly surpassed the agreed-upon amount, invoicing Force on July 21, 1833, for 4000 prints. Despite the high number, it is believed that only a few hundred of Force's printings exist today, present example included.
In addition to the printing's historical rarity, it also reflects the democratic values upon which the young nation stood. Stone's copperplate became the most familiar reproduction of the Declaration of Independence for early nineteenth-century Americans. At the same time, its existence also embodies a story of friendship and collaboration between two leading scholars in nineteenth-century America. Throughout their friendship, Force and Stone engaged in several historical and scientific pursuits together. The two men helped found the National Institute for the Promotion of Science. Upon Stone's death in 1865, Force participated in his funeral as a pallbearer, concluding over three decades of brotherhood.
Condition: Creased along folds and toned throughout, more so along upper right quadrant verso and along bottom edge. Bits of paper loss along left margin, closed separation at bottom margin and small hole at top center along vertical fold. Top right margin fold and right margin wrinkled. The broadside has been stored folded, but can be flattened for display.
Provenance: From the Private Collection of a Mississippi Gentleman.
Auction Info
2024 April 5 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6285 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
April, 2024
5th
Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 9
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 859
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