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Description

Samuel Francis Smith Complete "America" Autograph Manuscript Signed, a fair copy, "S. F. Smith". One page, 9" x 7", n.p., May 23, 1895. Smith handwrites, all four stanzas of this beloved patriotic paean often known as "My Country 'Tis of Thee." As noted at the bottom by Smith, he originally wrote this song in 1832. This was the year that he became a Baptist minister and editor of the Baptist Missionary Magazine. A friend asked him to translate a German poem for him. Smith liked the music so much that he wrote new English words for it. The song became popular in his lifetime and was performed at his funeral in 1895.

Evenly toned, encapsulated, and bound into a copy of My Country, an illustrated and illuminated version of the American National Anthem by Walter Tittle. New York: The Tandy-Thomas Company. 4to, 6 leaves, and 33 plates, partly colored, including a colored portrait and 4 facsimiles of stanzas from Smith's "America". With evidence of a former gift inscription on a front endpage. A letter of provenance dated February 15, 1918, explains that "the manuscript I have sold you this day is the original autograph manuscript of the National Hymn 'America'..." This letter is also encapsulated and hinged at the front of the book. Quarter morocco binding, with raised spine and gold title. Fair copy of America manuscript is in near fine condition, as preserved by the encapsulation.


Auction Info

Auction Dates
March, 2009
6th-7th Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 2,032

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.

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Sold on Mar 6, 2009 for: $2,987.50
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