How to Sell Your William Stone Declaration of Independence

To auction, sell or consign your William Stone Declaration of Independence, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).

Here Are Some William Stone Force Declaration of Independence Copies We Sold:

1843 Force Declaration of Independence From Original Copper Plate — Sold for $21,963

1843 Force Declaration of Independence from the original copper plate by William Stone, one of the earliest copies of the Declaration of Independence. In 1823, Congress authorized the production of facsimile copies of the Declaration of Independence for two reasons: the original was deteriorating rapidly and many of the aging original Signers sought copies. John Quincy Adams, then Secretary of State, oversaw the project and commissioned noted engraver William J. Stone to reproduce the document. Stone used a new Wet-Ink transfer process to create a copper plate from which facsimile copies were made. By wetting the original document, some of the original ink was transferred to the copperplate, which was then used for printing. Stone printed 201 copies on vellum, keeping one copy for himself (now residing in the Smithsonian) and distributing other copies to Thomas Jefferson, President James Monroe, members of Congress, surviving original Signers, various colleges and universities, and others. Of the original 201 copies, only 31 examples are currently known to exist, 19 of which are permanently housed in museums. In 1843, Peter Force used the original Stone copperplate to print additional copies of the Declaration of Independence on rice paper for inclusion in his book, ”American Archives”. Congress authorized up to 1,500 copies of the book to be printed, and while the actual number of copies printed is unknown, it’s generally estimated at 500. The Stone and Force copies represent an irony: certainly, they allowed additional people and institutions to obtain an identical facsimile of this most beloved of all historic American documents, but Stone’s Wet-Ink transfer process contributed to the deterioration of the original signed copy of the Declaration. The parchment did not respond well to water, with the unfortunate result being that the original Declaration of Independence, on display in our nation’s capitol, is in a rather sad state of preservation. This Force Declaration measures approximately 24.75” x 29.5” on rice paper. Folded for its original purpose of inclusion in Force’s book. A very good to near fine copy except for archival tape repairs on verso, and some creasing to front. The paper quality is very good, without as much brittleness as we usually see. A visually stunning example of one of America’s most beloved documents. Sold for $21,963.

1843 Declaration of Independence Print — Sold for $20,000

Extremely rare fold-out Force print of William J. Stone’s official engraving of the Declaration of Independence from “American Archives,” Volume I of the Fifth Series. With complete set of nine volumes edited by Peter Force. Washington, D.C.: M. St. Clair Clarke and Peter Force: 1843. Folio Volume I with marbled boards and endpapers runs 951pp. Most extant copies of this volume are missing the highly sought after fold-out rice paper Declaration of Independence. When Congress commissioned Peter Force to compile the nine-volume, 15,500pp. “American Archives” series documenting the nation’s history in 1843, it was determined that a copy of the Declaration would be included in the volume covering 1776. Twenty-three years earlier, as the original document was rapidly deteriorating, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams had authorized engraver William J. Stone to create a copperplate of the Declaration via painstaking wet-ink transfer. It took Stone three years to create a plate with absolute fidelity to the original, although the process caused additional deterioration to the original document, now exhibited in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. Stone printed 201 copies on vellum. He kept one copy for himself, now residing in the Smithsonian, and the other copies were distributed to Thomas Jefferson, President James Monroe, members of Congress, surviving original Signers, various colleges and universities, and others. Of the original 201 copies, only 31 examples are currently known to exist, 19 of which are permanently housed in museums. The remaining dozen vellum examples are rarely offered for sale. The “American Archives” copies were made from Stone’s plate, now housed in the National Archives. Congress authorized up to 1,500 copies of the book to be printed, but subscriptions fell far short of that number. The actual number of copies of the book printed is unknown, with estimates ranging at around 500 copies. Fewer than half are believed to have survived, in varying states of preservation, most missing the Declaration. This is an extremely rare opportunity to find the book with the Declaration still intact and in such pristine condition. The fold-out document measures 26″ x 29″ and is stamped at lower left, “W.J. Stone S.C. Washn.” Document shows minor ink transfer from being folded and has a horizontal split approximately 3″ towards the middle of the right edge from folding, as well as two other small tears and along folds affecting words in the center of the document. Very good condition. All other American Archives volumes present as a set. Boards on several books show separation and wear. Books are in good condition. Sold for $20,000.

1843 Force Declaration of Independence From Original Copper Plate — Sold for $18,750

1843 Force Declaration of Independence from the original copper plate by William Stone, one of the earliest copies of the Declaration of Independence. In 1823, Congress authorized the production of facsimile copies of the Declaration of Independence for two reasons: the original was deteriorating rapidly and many of the aging original Signers sought copies. John Quincy Adams, then Secretary of State, oversaw the project and commissioned noted engraver William J. Stone to reproduce the document. Stone used a new Wet-Ink transfer process to create a copper plate from which facsimile copies were made. By wetting the original document, some of the original ink was transferred to the copperplate, which was then used for printing. Stone printed 201 copies on vellum, keeping one copy for himself (now residing in the Smithsonian) and distributing other copies to Thomas Jefferson, President James Monroe, members of Congress, surviving original Signers, various colleges and universities, and others. Of the original 201 copies, only 31 examples are currently known to exist, 19 of which are permanently housed in museums. In 1843, Peter Force used the original Stone copperplate to print additional copies of the Declaration of Independence on rice paper for inclusion in his book, ”American Archives”. Congress authorized up to 1,500 copies of the book to be printed, and while the actual number of copies printed is unknown, it’s generally estimated at 500. The Stone and Force copies represent an irony: certainly, they allowed additional people and institutions to obtain an identical facsimile of this most beloved of all historic American documents, but Stone’s Wet-Ink transfer process contributed to the deterioration of the original signed copy of the Declaration. The parchment did not respond well to water, with the unfortunate result being that the original Declaration of Independence, on display in our nation’s capitol, is in a rather sad state of preservation. This Force Declaration measures approximately 25.5” x 29” on rice paper. Folded for its original purpose of inclusion in Force’s book. A near fine copy except for some archival tape repairs on verso, so subtle as not to be noticed even upon close examination. A visually stunning example of one of America’s most beloved documents. Sold for $18,750.

1843 Force Declaration of Independence From Original Copper Plate — Sold for $18,750

1843 Force Declaration of Independence from the original copper plate by William Stone, one of the earliest copies of the Declaration of Independence. In 1823, Congress authorized the production of facsimile copies of the Declaration of Independence for two reasons: the original was deteriorating rapidly and many of the aging original Signers sought copies. John Quincy Adams, then Secretary of State, oversaw the project and commissioned noted engraver William J. Stone to reproduce the document. Stone used a new Wet-Ink transfer process to create a copper plate from which facsimile copies were made. By wetting the original document, some of the original ink was transferred to the copperplate, which was then used for printing. Stone printed 201 copies on vellum, keeping one copy for himself (now residing in the Smithsonian) and distributing other copies to Thomas Jefferson, President James Monroe, members of Congress, surviving original Signers, various colleges and universities, and others. Of the original 201 copies, only 31 examples are currently known to exist, 19 of which are permanently housed in museums. In 1843, Peter Force used the original Stone copperplate to print additional copies of the Declaration of Independence on rice paper for inclusion in his book, ”American Archives”. Congress authorized up to 1,500 copies of the book to be printed, and while the actual number of copies printed is unknown, it’s generally estimated at 500; it is the oldest Declaration apart from the original and the Stone copies. Declaration measures approximately 25.25” x 29.5”. Folded for its original purpose of inclusion in Force’s book. A very good to near fine copy with foxing at bottom affecting some signatures and discreet archival repairs on verso. A bright copy with virtually no toning. Sold for $18,750.

1843 Force Declaration of Independence From Original Copper Plate — Sold for $18,750

1843 Force Declaration of Independence from the original copper plate by William Stone, one of the earliest copies of the Declaration of Independence. In 1823, Congress authorized the production of facsimile copies of the Declaration of Independence for two reasons: the original was deteriorating rapidly and many of the aging original Signers sought copies. John Quincy Adams, then Secretary of State, oversaw the project and commissioned noted engraver William J. Stone to reproduce the document. Stone used a new Wet-Ink transfer process to create a copper plate from which facsimile copies were made. By wetting the original document, some of the original ink was transferred to the copperplate, which was then used for printing. Stone printed 201 copies on vellum, keeping one copy for himself (now residing in the Smithsonian) and distributing other copies to Thomas Jefferson, President James Monroe, members of Congress, surviving original Signers, various colleges and universities, and others. Of the original 201 copies, only 31 examples are currently known to exist, 19 of which are permanently housed in museums. Sold for $18,750.

1843 Force Declaration of Independence From Original Copper Plate — Sold for $15,625

1843 Force Declaration of Independence from the original copper plate by William Stone, one of the earliest copies of the Declaration of Independence. In 1823, Congress authorized the production of facsimile copies of the Declaration of Independence for two reasons: the original was deteriorating rapidly and many of the aging original Signers sought copies. John Quincy Adams, then Secretary of State, oversaw the project and commissioned noted engraver William J. Stone to reproduce the document. Stone used a new Wet-Ink transfer process to create a copper plate from which facsimile copies were made. By wetting the original document, some of the original ink was transferred to the copperplate, which was then used for printing. Stone printed 201 copies on vellum, keeping one copy for himself (now residing in the Smithsonian) and distributing other copies to Thomas Jefferson, President James Monroe, members of Congress, surviving original Signers, various colleges and universities, and others. Of the original 201 copies, only 31 examples are currently known to exist, 19 of which are permanently housed in museums. In 1843, Peter Force used the original Stone copperplate to print additional copies of the Declaration of Independence on rice paper for inclusion in his book, ”American Archives”. Congress authorized up to 1,500 copies of the book to be printed, and while the actual number of copies printed is unknown, it’s generally estimated at 500. The Stone and Force copies represent an irony: certainly, they allowed additional people and institutions to obtain an identical facsimile of this most beloved of all historic American documents, but Stone’s Wet-Ink transfer process contributed to the deterioration of the original signed copy of the Declaration. The parchment did not respond well to water, with the unfortunate result being that the original Declaration of Independence, on display in our nation’s capitol, is in a rather sad state of preservation. This Force Declaration measures approximately 25.5” x 29” on rice paper. Folded for its original purpose of inclusion in Force’s book. Separation starting along folds, especially along lowermost horizontal fold, otherwise in near fine condition. The points of separation can be repaired with archival tape to be almost indiscernible when framed. A visually stunning example of one of America’s most beloved documents. Sold for $15,625.

1843 Force Declaration of Independence From Original Copper Plate — Sold for $15,000

1843 Force Declaration of Independence from the original copper plate by William Stone, one of the earliest copies of the Declaration of Independence. In 1823, Congress authorized the production of facsimile copies of the Declaration of Independence for two reasons: the original was deteriorating rapidly and many of the aging original Signers sought copies. John Quincy Adams, then Secretary of State, oversaw the project and commissioned noted engraver William J. Stone to reproduce the document. Stone used a new Wet-Ink transfer process to create a copper plate from which facsimile copies were made. By wetting the original document, some of the original ink was transferred to the copperplate, which was then used for printing. Stone printed 201 copies on vellum, keeping one copy for himself (now residing in the Smithsonian) and distributing other copies to Thomas Jefferson, President James Monroe, members of Congress, surviving original Signers, various colleges and universities, and others. Of the original 201 copies, only 31 examples are currently known to exist, 19 of which are permanently housed in museums. In 1843, Peter Force used the original Stone copperplate to print additional copies of the Declaration of Independence on rice paper for inclusion in his book, ”American Archives”. Congress authorized up to 1,500 copies of the book to be printed, and while the actual number of copies printed is unknown, it’s generally estimated at 500. The Stone and Force copies represent an irony: certainly, they allowed additional people and institutions to obtain an identical facsimile of this most beloved of all historic American documents, but Stone’s Wet-Ink transfer process contributed to the deterioration of the original signed copy of the Declaration. The parchment did not respond well to water, with the unfortunate result being that the original Declaration of Independence, on display in our nation’s capitol, is in a rather sad state of preservation. This Force Declaration measures approximately 24.75” x 29.5” on rice paper. Folded for its original purpose of inclusion in Force’s book. A near fine copy except for some archival tape repairs on verso, so subtle as not to be noticed even upon close examination. A visually stunning example of one of America’s most beloved documents. Sold for $15,000.

Force 1843 Copper Plate Engraving of the Declaration — Sold for $14,032

1843 Force Declaration of Independence from the original copper plate by William Stone. Measures approximately 25.5” x 29” on rice paper. This offering represents an opportunity to obtain one of the earliest copies of the Declaration of Independence. In 1823, Congress authorized the production of facsimile copies of the Declaration of Independence for two reasons: the original was deteriorating rapidly and many of the aging original Signers sought copies. John Quincy Adams, then Secretary of State, oversaw the project and commissioned noted engraver William J. Stone to reproduce the document. Stone used a new Wet-Ink transfer process to create a copper plate from which facsimile copies were made. By wetting the original document, some of the original ink was transferred to the copperplate, which was then used for printing. Stone printed 201 copies on vellum, keeping one copy for himself (now residing in the Smithsonian) and distributing other copies to Thomas Jefferson, President James Monroe, members of Congress, surviving original Signers, various colleges and universities, and others. Of the original 201 copies, only 31 examples are currently known to exist, 19 of which are permanently housed in museums. The remaining dozen vellum examples are rarely offered for sale and today typically bring $200,000 or so. In 1843, Peter Force used the original Stone copperplate to print additional copies of the Declaration of Independence on rice paper for inclusion in Volume I of his multi-volume book, ”American Archives.” Congress authorized up to 1,500 copies of the book to be printed, and while the actual number of copies printed is unknown, it’s generally estimated at 500. It is believed that fewer than half of the rice paper copies still exist (of which this is an example) in varying states of preservation. The Stone and Force copies represent an irony: certainly, they allowed additional people and institutions to obtain an identical facsimile of this most beloved of all historic American documents, but Stone’s Wet-Ink transfer process contributed to the deterioration of the original signed copy of the Declaration. The parchment did not respond well to water, with the unfortunate result being that the original Declaration of Independence, on display in our nation’s capitol, is in a rather sad state of preservation. This Declaration has been folded for its original purpose of inclusion in Force’s book and is in overall near fine condition. Document is repaired to verso using archival tape along previous foldlines. A visually stunning example of one of America’s most beloved documents. Sold for $14,032.

FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Declaration of Independence William Stone engraved that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).