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Description

David Rittenhouse Autograph Document Signed. One page, 7 7/8 x 2 3/4 inches, no place; March 6, 1787. A receipt for payment from an auctioneer for duties collected in the district of Southwark, Pennsylvania. Written by David Rittenhouse and signed as the Treasurer of Pennsylvania, "Dav'd Rittenhouse Treasr."

The document reads, in full: "March 6th 1787 Received of John Mease Esq. Auctioneer for the District of Southwark One Hundred and forty Pounds on account of Duties on Sales-Dav'd Rittenhouse Treasr."

David Rittenhouse (1732-1796) was an American astronomer, inventor, and mathematician who made significant contributions to early American science and engineering. A self-taught polymath, he gained recognition for constructing advanced orreries and conducting groundbreaking astronomical observations, including the 1769 transit of Venus. He served as Treasurer of Pennsylvania from 1777 to 1789 and later became the first director of the United States Mint from 1792 to 1795.

Condition: Moderately toned, with some paper loss at the top left corner. A pinhole and a tear through the top line of text have been repaired, preserving readability. The right and bottom margins are reinforced with tape. Remnants of sealing wax are present on the verso, as well as some pencil notations.


Auction Info

Auction Dates
March, 2025
28th Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 17
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 343

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25% on the first $1,000,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $5,000,000 per lot.

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