Sell or Auction Your May His Majesty’s Reign Be Ever Crowned with Laurels Stamp Act Scarf for up to $50,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders
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Sell Your May His Majesty’s Reign Be Ever Crowned with Laurels Stamp Act scarf
The Stamp Act of 1765 (short title: Duties in American Colonies Act 1765; 5 George III, c. 12) was an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain which imposed a direct tax on the British colonies in America and required that many printed materials in the colonies be produced on stamped paper produced in London, carrying an embossed revenue stamp. Printed materials included legal documents, magazines, playing cards, newspapers, and many other types of paper used throughout the colonies, and it had to be paid in British currency, not in colonial paper money.
Below is a recent realized price for a May His Majesty’s Reign be ever Crowned with Laurels Stamp Act scarf. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:
May His Majesty’s Reign Be Ever Crowned with Laurels Stamp Act Scarf. Sold for $50,000.
The following are some historical political and campaign items we have sold at auction:
Enlightenment Philosopher David Hume Autograph Letter Signed on Vociferous Debate on the Stamp Act — “…the King had said…he was for the repeal of the Stamp Act…The King has since said, that this was a mistake…”
Historically important David Hume autograph letter signed, discussing the contentious debate in Parliament on the Stamp Act, led by Prime Minister William Pitt who questions the moral authority to tax “free-born subjects without their consent”. Here, Hume writes to the Earl of Hertford, Ambassador to France, after witnessing Parliamentary debate in which Prime Minister William Pitt defends America’s opposition to the Stamp Act. Dated 27 February 1766 from Lisle Street, Leicester Fields, the letter reads in part, “…[T]he Parliament opened by a very extraordinary speech of Mr. Pit’s [William Pitt]. Besides asserting that England had no right to her Colonies, and that it was unconstitutional to take money from free-born subjects without their consent, he…much astonished his audience. He seemed even to treat the Parliament with contempt…and men were thrown into such wonder at the lofty and intrepid style of his discourse, that nobody had courage or presence enough of mind to answer him…Meanwhile the question which he had started, was brought on in the House of Peers; it was disputed, whether the English Parliament had a right to tax the colonies…Mr. Pit had carry’d the matter farther than almost anybody was inclined to follow him…It was moved by Mr. Grenville that the house should address his Majesty to inforce the laws in America. The…question was carried against him by a majority of 140; a number which surprised the Ministers themselves…Lord Rockingham published everywhere that the King had said to him that he was for the repeal of the Stamp Act…The King has since said, that this was a mistake…It was foreseen, that the countenance given the Americans by Mr. Pit and Lord Camden’s appearance for them would increase, if possible, their obstinacy. The bad effects on trade began already to be sensibly felt. Many manufacturers all over England had threatened to dismiss a half or two-thirds of their tradesmen, which must have produced infinite confusion…I am persuaded no one voted against the repeal but from party and in full hopes and confidence of being out-voted…” Hume, here serving on the staff of the British Embassy in Paris, also references the rumor that the lack of opposition to the repeal of the Stamp Act was partly due to Lord Bute’s having plotted to overthrow the Ministry. Letter runs six pages on two folded sheets. Measures 7.25″ x 9″. Reinforced along vertical folds, else near fine. This letter, found in “Letters of David Hume” has been called by William Knight, Hume’s biographer as “a long, minute, and singularly graphic account of the transactions of Parliament on its first day of its assembling that year.” Published in Grieg, “Letters of David Hume,” 2:18-23. Provenance: Sotheby’s John Young sale, 26 April 1869, lot 500; Alfred Morrison catalogue, 1897; Parke-Bernet sale, 26 November 1941, lot 269. Sold for $57,000.
The most influential political cartoon in the history of America, the ”JOIN, or DIE” severed rattlesnake designed by Benjamin Franklin and published in his ”Pennsylvania Gazette” on 9 May 1754. This incredibly scarce newspaper is the very first printing of the ”JOIN, or DIE” cartoon, and the only known copy apart from one other housed in the permanent collection at the Library of Congress.
Frustrated by the colonists’ inability to join forces against westward expansion by the French, Franklin created this cartoon of a rattlesnake, cut into 8 pieces symbolizing the American colonies, to dramatically impart the effective message: join together as one cohesive body, or die. Along with the cartoon, Franklin published an editorial in the newspaper, urging the colonists to work together, reading in part, ”…The Confidence of the French in this Undertaking seems well-grounded on the present disunited State of the British Colonies…while our Enemies have the very great Advantage of being under one Direction, with one Council, and one Purse…”
Little did Franklin know at the time that his symbol of the dis-united rattlesnake would echo over twenty years later to inspire the colonists to unite against the British – Paul Revere added the ”JOIN, or DIE” cartoon to the nameplate of his paper, the ”Massachusetts Spy”, and even later, with the ”Don’t Tread on Me” flag, any individual or group whose personal liberty is threatened. The phrasing has also proved highly enduring, likely influencing John Stark, the Revolutionary War General from New Hampshire whose toast, ”Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils”, inspired New Hampshire’s motto, and again suggests that personal liberty is one of the highest human values, and a founding tenet of the United States.
Franklin’s choice of a rattlesnake is curious for several reasons: as the timber rattlesnake was found throughout the colonies but not England, Franklin argued in an earlier 1751 editorial that the colonists should ship rattlesnakes to England in exchange for the criminals that England was sending to America. Franklin now, however, seems to fully embrace the rattlesnake as metaphor, and would argue, during the American Revolution, its virtues. Using a pseudonym to conceal his identity, he wrote in 1775, ”…she has no eye-lids-She may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance.-She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders…to those who are unacquainted with her, she appears to be a most defenseless animal; and even when those weapons are shown and extended for her defense, they appear weak and contemptible; but their wounds however small, are decisive and fatal:-Conscious of this, she never wounds till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of stepping on her.-Was I wrong, Sir, in thinking this a strong picture of the temper and conduct of America?”
While the British loyalists played upon Franklin’s symbolism of the rattlesnake, arguing that the colonists were deceptive and cunning, Franklin turned the characterization on its head, skilled and interested as he was in the art of propaganda. Ultimately, the symbolism would prove highly enduring and compelling: both the idea of uniting to fight a greater, more powerful enemy, and the power of a sudden, deadly attack by an underestimated opponent.
Four page newspaper (without advertising) measures 9.75” x approximately 15”, with an irregularly trimmed top edge. Expert restoration to head of snake, and light uniform toning, consistent with age. Newspaper has been well-preserved, in very good to near fine condition. One of the most important newspapers in America’s colonial history and a cornerstone of her philosophical underpinnings. Sold for $50,000.
John Adams Autograph Letter Signed Re the Stamp Act
John Adams autograph letter signed “John Adams”, regarding the Stamp Act Congress, the colonists’ response to the infamous Stamp Act of 1765. This Act was one of the first legislative measures passed by Great Britain that taxed the colonists, an act which set in motion events leading to the Revolutionary War 10 years later. Adams writes to Jedidiah Morse regarding Morse’s work, “Annals Of The American Revolution”, an important record of the Revolution published in 1824, and refers to his role in the Revolution, “Five and Forty years ago”. From his home in Quincy, Massachusetts on 11 September 1815, Adams writes, “For some time past I have been unable to read or write or see, so that it has been impossible for me to answer your Expectations as I wished. And now it costs me more pain and time to write a line than it did but seven years ago to write a page. You will find me but a miserable resource for information or advice in your great Undertaking. I can give you nothing but broken hints. At present I send you a few documents from the oldest States man in America Governor Mackean, Four Letters Aug. 20. Oct. 9. Nov. 15, 1813 Jan. 1814. Also a Pamphet [sic] ‘Authentic account of the Proceedings of The Congress held at New York. A.D. 1765 on the Subject of the American Stamp Act.’ Instead of Specimens or hints of the manner in which I should try History if I could, I send you a Specimen of the manner in which I did write, history, poorly enough indeed, Five and Forty years ago. These Letters and Pamphlets I rely upon your Friendship to return to me by the Mail, after you have noted what may appear to your Purpose. When these shall be returned if my inflamed Eyes and quivering fingers will permit, I may give you a few hints but probably of no great importance…John Adams”. Single page letter measures 8″ x 9.75″. With integral address leaf written in another hand. Light soiling and small paper loss from seal, otherwise near fine condition given age. Accompanied by an engraving of Adams for framing, and housed in attractive custom clamshell case lettered in gilt on the front. Sold for $10,200.
Extensive collection of 21 British Acts of Parliament spanning the American Revolution from start to finish, all pertaining to policy toward the dissenting American colonies. Acts were published by Charles Eyre and William Strahan: Printers to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty: London 1766-1783, and are quite rare, as they were only printed for members of Parliament, officers of state, and the judiciary. In chronological order, collection includes: (1) Stamp Tax Act of 1766 running 4pp.; (2) 1767 Act governing duties in the plantations of America running 14pp.; (3) 1770 Act enabling New York to pass an act of assembly, 2pp.; (4) 1771 Act creating a bounty upon the importation of White Oak casks running 7pp.; (5) 1773 Act to explain and amend a previous act concerning paper bills of credit, 4pp.; (6) 1773 Act for importing salted beef, pork, bacon and butter from America, 2pp. The acts take a dramatic turn once bullets were fired at Lexington and Concord in 1775: (7) 1775 Act to restrain trade and commerce between the Colonies and Great Britain, 9pp.; (8) 1776 Act granting His Majesty a certain sum of money running 24pp.; (9) 1776 Act limiting the liberty to carry rice throughout America, 7pp.; (10) 1777 Act to continue allowing exportation of wheat, 2pp.; (11) 1777 Act to authorize the carrying of captives, 4pp.; (12) 1778 Act to repeal an earlier act for regulating the government of Massachusetts, 2pp.; (13) 1778 Act to amend earlier act relating to American sugar plantations, 4pp.; (14) 1778 Act removing all doubts concerning taxation in the Colonies, 2pp.; (15) 1779 Act concerning various dealings with the United States of America, 5pp.; (16) 1780 Act allowing exportation of goods, wares and merchandise to North America, 6pp.; (17) 1781 Act to explain a previous act, 2pp.; (18) 1782 Act to prevent enemies from being supplied with ships from Great Britain, 5pp.; (19) 1783 Act to continue laws relating to regulating fees, 4pp.; (20) 1782 Act concerning prize and bounty money not claimed, 4pp.; and finally, (21) 1783 Act to enable His Majesty to conclude a peace or truce with the America Colonies. Acts are printed on sheets measuring 7.5” x 11.5”. Mild foxing, toning and staining, and some contemporary stapling, else near fine. Sold for $916.
‘Gentleman’s Magazine, Historical Chronicle” 1765 hardcover compilation of all twelve issues from that year. The first to use the term magazine, the monthly publication of the ”Gentleman’s Magazine” had originally debuted in 1731 and was an important source of news during the American Revolution. The preface to this 1765 collection states, ”…There is…scarce any Period of Time in which the Prerogative of the Crown, the Privileges of Parliament, and the Liberties of the People, have been more full discussed…” Tensions between Great Britain and the American colonies were high at this time, due in large part to Parliament’s continued attempts to tax the colonies. Already opposed to the 1764 sugar tax, colonists were united in their resistance to the Stamp Act, passed in March 1765 and announced in the March issue. ”…Lord Mansfield, as Speaker, and the Earls Gower and Marchmant, by virtue of a commission of his majesty, gave the royal assent…for laying a stamp duty in the British colonies in America…” The coordinated resistance to these taxes was a major step toward revolution. Growing discontent is palpable in later issues, especially December, which contains: ”The Grievances of the American Colonies candidly examined” and ”The Importance of the N. American Colonies considered”. Other news includes advances in agriculture, medicine and science, religious controversy, stories of crime and writings of Voltaire, with illustrations of British homes, mechanical drawings of the centrifugal engine and maps. Moderate edge wear to 5.5” x 8.25” marble boards, bound with a leather spine lettered in gilt. Binding loosened from volume; foxing and toning to some pages but generally bright. Overall very good condition. Sold for $550.
John Adams ALS as President, Who Didn’t Have a Full-Time Military! — “…an Army and Navy Establishment is essential to the present & future Interests & Greatness of the United States…”
Historically important John Adams autograph letter signed dated 19 July 1799, during his term as the second American President. Adams writes from Quincy, Massachusetts to Secretary of War James McHenry regarding the need for a standing army and navy, warning of embarrassment should the department heads be surprised. After the end of the American Revolution, the U.S., distrustful of standing militaries, sold off the last ship in its Continental navy and disbanded its army. A small navy was reinstated to protect American commerce with the onset of war in Europe in 1793. The U.S. negotiated a treaty with Britain but negotiations with France broke down during the XYZ affair. France, an ally to the American colonies during the American Revolution, now saw the U.S. as a British ally during their own war with England, and began seizing American merchant ships. In 1798, Congress established a Department of the Navy and empowered the merchant marine to defend American ships. A provisional army was also authorized. Peace negotiations with France began in January 1799, while Adams continued to build up the American military, as reflected in this letter. It reads in part, “…I agree with you…that both an Army and Navy Establishment is essential to the present and future Interests & Greatness of the United States and that We must run the Risks which other Nations have run. It appeared to me that Offices were created and Salaries made necessary in the Plan for Supplying the Army, which would require the Interposition of Congress, But if the Powers already given to Administration are Sufficient I am Satisfied…J. Adams”. This letter appears in “The Works of John Adams,” volume 8, 1856. Minor foxing and dampstaining along left edge of single page letter, measuring 8″ x 9.75″. Separation to folds; overall very good. Sold for $27,000.
Beautiful and scarce Pilgrim document from 17th century colonial America. Dated 1670, document confirms the sale of 50 acres of land in Marshfield, Plymouth County, Massachusetts by John Rogers to William Macomber. Document is signed by a veritable who’s-who of Pilgrim notables, including Rogers, Nathaniel Morton, Constant Southworth and James Toale (Towle). In addition to writing the first historical text published in the United States (about the settlement of the Plymouth Colony) Nathaniel Morton was the first to publish a list of signers of the Mayflower Compact and also wrote his account of the first Thanksgiving. He served for most of his life as Secretary of Plymouth Colony, where his careful record-keeping enabled him to compile New England’s Memorial, considered the first comprehensive history of the colony, published at Cambridge in 1669, and widely considered the first book of history published in the United States. In fact, ”The Wall Street Journal” has published an excerpt from Morton’s history of Plymouth Colony as an op-ed the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day since 1961. Constant Southworth came to Plymouth in 1628 as a teenager, and held several prominent positions during his life, including Treasurer of the Colony. John Rogers was born in 1642 in Plymouth County, the son of a Mayflower passenger. Document measures approximately 15.5” x 12” with some paper loss to lower right. Some expected foxing and toning, small amount of paper loss and archival tape repair to verso. In very good condition considering age, with still bold writing. Sold for $10,000.
One of the most important books on the history of America (cited by Borba de Moraes, Howes, Sabin and Wing), the 1671 first edition of ”America: Being the Latest and Most Accurate Description of the New World”. Privately printed in London by the author, Arnoldus Montanus, and edited by John Ogilby. In ”America” Montanus goes into great detail of the new continents, with dozens of engravings of Native Americans, species of animals and reptiles, and the landscapes and settlements in the new world, accompanied by text. The book covers speculation regarding the earliest voyages to America, along with later recorded voyages and the settlements of New Netherlands/New York, New England, Hudson’s Bay, Labrador, Canada, Nova Scotia, Maryland, Virginia, (including Captain Smith’s capture and rescue by Pocahontas), Carolinas, Florida and California, plus accounts of Mexico and nearby islands, even including Australia and New Zealand. 674pp. book contains 75 original engravings (64 copper plates within the text and 9 plates throughout), lacking the maps and 28 engravings, which is typical as this edition is almost never found with all plates intact. All text is complete except for missing pages 445-446. Large format book measures 10” x 15”. Bound in original full leather boards, with some loss of leather to covers, cracking along spine and front board detached. Interior text is near fine and very readable. An important and fascinating addition to early knowledge of the American continent. Sold for $9,375.
Rare colonial newspaper with content on the Boston Tea Party and a second seizure and dumping of tea that occurred on 7 March 1774. Little is known of this second Tea Party except what has been recorded in a few colonial newspapers, such as this one, and by John Adams who wrote about it in his diary. In this 17 March 1774 edition of ”Rivington’s New-York Gazetteer” (also called the ”Connecticut, Hudson’s River, New-Jersey, and Quebec Weekly Advertiser”), London’s response to the first Boston Tea Party is discussed, as well as details of the second Tea Party aboard the ship of Captain Gorham, who recounts to the paper the following information: ”BOSTON, March 10 / By Capt. Gorham, arrived here in nine weeks from London, we are informed, that…that Governor Pownal [previous Massachusetts Bay Governor Thomas Pownall, sent to Boston to quell the colonists after the Tea Party] will positively go over to Boston early in the spring, in order to take the management of that quarter under his care; that orders have been dispatched, in the courte of the last week, to Ireland, for the immediate embarkation of three regiments to be sent to Boston and New-York; that the Board of Trade had also come to several resolutions relative to American affairs, to be recommended at the same time; and that the latter end of December some advices were received at Lord Darmouth’s office [William Legge, 2nd Earl of Dartmouth, Secretary of State for the Colonies], from Boston, in New-England, which were kept a profound secret…”
The paper continues, ”Capt. Gorham, we are told, has about thirty chests of tea on board, said to be private property, and consigned to some persons here; but what will be the fate thereof, a short time will discover – Certainly not suffered to be landed in Boston! Lord Temple [Richard Grenville-Temple, 2nd Earl Temple], though he has totally declined taking any part in administration means, in conjunction with his noble brother-in-law, Lord Chatham [William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham; both men were sympathetic to the colonists], to attend closely to his duty in Parliament the ensuring sessions, in order to defend the liberties, and to watch over the interests, of his much injured countrymen…”
The paper goes onto discuss possible replacements of politicians and also the removal of Peter Oliver, Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Massachusetts Bay, whose salary was dependent upon the taxes levied against the Colonies from tea. The reporting continues, ”…Monday evening [7 March 1774] the tea that arrived in Captain Gorham, from London, belonging to some private persons, was thrown into the sea, in the same manner with that of the East India Company in December last [16 December 1773]…” Coverage appears on the second page of 4pp. paper, measuring 11.25” x 18.25”. Light toning and reinforced fold, otherwise in near fine condition given age. Very rare reporting on the second Tea Party and the beginning of the oppressive measures taken against the colonies as a result. Sold for $3,125.
FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your May His Majesty’s Reign be ever Crowned with Laurels Stamp Act scarf that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).