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Poor Richard’s Almanack (sometimes Almanac) was a yearly almanac published by Benjamin Franklin, who adopted the pseudonym of “Poor Richard” or “Richard Saunders” for this purpose. The publication appeared continually from 1732 to 1758. It sold exceptionally well for a pamphlet published in the Thirteen Colonies; print runs reached 10,000 per year.
Below is a recent realized price for a Benjamin Franklin Richard Saunders Poor Richard 1762 item. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to these amounts or more for you:
Benjamin Franklin Richard Saunders Poor Richard 1762. Sold for nearly $20,000
Here is a 1739 Edition of Poor Richard’s Almanack:
Here are some similar items we have sold in the past:
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.
Benjamin Franklin Letter Signed to Scotsman Lord Kames
Very long and beautifully penned letter signed by Benjamin Franklin, written to Henry Home, Lord Kames, one of the principal figures of the Scottish Enlightenment, and mentor to both David Hume and Adam Smith. The American scientist and founding father writes to Kames from London on 21 October 1761 on a variety of topics, including effusive praise of Kames’ book, “Introduction to the Art of Thinking” and anticipation of Kames’ next book, “Elements of Criticism”. Franklin also mentions his own book “Art of Virtue”, which he never finished but seems inspired to complete after reading Kames’ work. Letter reads in part,
“My dear Lord, It is long since I have afforded myself the Pleasure of writing to you. As I grow in Years I find I grow more indolent, and more apt to procrastinate. I am indeed a bad Correspondent; but what avails Confession without Amendment!” Sold for $21,000.
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Benjamin Franklin 1785 Document Signed as President of Pennsylvania — Excellent, Bold Signature
Benjamin Franklin signs an interest certificate, dated 19 October 1785, one day after being elected President of Pennsylvania. Until May of that year he had served the new American nation as ambassador to France. Now, in a position similar to a modern day governor, Franklin authorizes Pennsylvania Treasurer David Rittenhouse to pay ”to Gilbert Quirk late private of Musquetry of the Pennsylvania Line, or his order, the sum of two pounds eight shillings being one year’s interest on his depreciation certificate, due the tenth day of April 1782 agreeably to an act of The General Assembly, intitled, ‘An act to appropriate certain monies arising from the excise, for the payment of the annual interest due on unalienated certificates therein mentioned,’ passed the twenty-first day of March 1783, and out of the fund appropriated by the said act, for the purposes therein mentioned.” He signs boldly, ”B. Franklin Presid.” with a paraph accentuating his name. The certificate, issued in Philadelphia, is endorsed on the verso: ”Received the within contents in full / For George Bickham / Sam Fulton”. Minor toning and foxing to 7.75” x 6.25” document, with tape repair to verso. Overall near fine condition. Sold for $15,436.
Benjamin Franklin land grant signed in Philadelphia on 27 April 1787, just one month before the start of the Constitutional Convention held in that city. Franklin served as President of Philadelphia’s Executive Council and signs ”B. Franklin” in that capacity, granting Private William Williams land in exchange for his service in the Revolutionary War. Document measures 15” x 12.5”, beautifully matted and framed to 40” x 23”. Weighs 14 lbs. Folds, toning and light staining throughout. Very good condition. Sold for $15,125.
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Benjamin Franklin Document Signed as Governor of PA
Benjamin Franklin document signed “B. Franklin” as Governor of Pennsylvania. Land grant document on vellum is dated 30 May 1787, bestowing a tract of land termed, “Wolfsburgh” upon Conrad Wolf. Countersigned by James Trimble for Secretary John Armstrong Jr. Single-page document features a paper seal and measures 15.5″ x 13.5″. Framed with an engraved portrait of Franklin to an overall size of 25.75″ x 18.75″. Folds, else near fine. With PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $13,122.
Benjamin Franklin Autograph Signature
Benjamin Franklin FRS FRSA FRSE (January 17, 1706 [O.S. January 6, 1705]– April 17, 1790) was an American polymath active as a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and political philosopher. Among the leading intellectuals of his time, Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the first United States Postmaster General. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions. He founded many civic organizations, including the Library Company, Philadelphia’s first fire department, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Excellent Benjamin Franklin signature with a flourish underneath his autograph, “B. Franklin”. Slip is also signed by a “John Ewing” and measures 2.5″ x 1.25″. Matted with a portrait of Franklin to an overall size of 15″ x 21.25″. Minor toning, else near fine. Sold for $7,295.
From the Printing Press of Benjamin Franklin, “Letters between Theophilus and Eugenio, on the Moral Pravity of Man, and the Means of his Restoration” — One of Only 16 Titles Published by Franklin
One of only 16 books printed by Benjamin Franklin, “Letters between Theophilus and Eugenio, on the Moral Pravity of Man, and the Means of his Restoration”. Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by B.[enjamin] Franklin, 1747. The first and only edition. Authorship of this volume of letters was once erroneously attributed to Franklin by Sabin, although it’s now believed to be by Sir Richard Blackmore. Book runs 64pp. in original wrappers, bound in full morocco black pebbled leather measuring 6.25″ x 7.75″ with git titling on spine. Previous owner’s name of “Andrew Reed” written to bottom of title page and page 20, possibly the wealthy 18th century Philadelphia merchant. Closed tear and water stain to title page, both lessening over the subsequent 2-3 leaves. Very good condition. Sold for $5,775.
Consign your Benjamin Franklin Richard Saunders Poor Richard 1762 at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Send a description and images of your item to us at [email protected].
FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Benjamin Franklin Richard Saunders Poor Richard 1762 that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
Benjamin Franklin Richard Saunders Poor Richard 1762