Sell Your Noah Webster Autograph for up to $4,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
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Noah Webster Autograph Sold at Auction
Noah Webster, the lexicographer who gave us the American dictionary, wanted to create a standardized system to ensure Americans pronounced and used words in a uniform fashion. Webster’s American Spelling Book, which has never been out of print since its release in 1783, was one of his earlier works that began to pave the way for his vision. Today’s Merriam-Webster dictionary was first released by Webster as The American Dictionary of the English Language in 1828 after extensive travel and research. The so-called Americanisms in the dictionary are influenced by Native American and African words as well as British English.
We have sold several items with a Noah Webster autograph. Please see below for prices realized.
Noah Webster Handwritten Ledger Signed, Concerning Debts Owed Surrounding the Creation and Publication of His Dictionary, “…Cash due on Copyright of Am. Dictionary” — 1829
Signed handwritten ledger by lexicographer Noah Webster concerning payments from the publication of his dictionary. Ledger dated 9 June 1829 lists amounts owed to his publisher, Sherman Converse, as well as his editors, Professor Olmstead and Doctor Percival. Webster specifically notes, “Cash due on Copyright of Am. Dictionary” in addition to other debits and credits surrounding the creation of his dictionary. Detailed observations on second page provide reasons for possible discrepancies. Ledger is signed in ink, “N. Webster”. Two-page 7.5″ x 12.75″ document shows toning along foldlines, else very good condition. Sold for $4,373.
Noah Webster Autograph Letter Signed re Dictionary
Autograph letter signed by lexicographer Noah Webster, regarding his magnum opus, “An American Dictionary of the English Language.” Letter to his publisher, Sherman Converse, expresses Webster’s frustrations about the completion of his dictionary and the overwhelming editing process. Written just months before the dictionary’s publication from New Haven, Connecticut on 23 May 1828, letter reads in full, “Sir, Your letter of the 20th contains remarks respecting my proposal to stenotype a small dictionary, which it was and is improper for you to make. You are not acquainted with the circumstances and views by which I am governed, nor are your rights in the least concerned in my plans. With regard to Dr. Percival, I can only say that I was compelled to take the steps I did. For I am certain, had I not done it, I should ere this have been unfit for any superintendence of the dictionary. As it is, I am not certain that I shall not sink under the labor, before it is finished. I wish you to return my picture as soon as may be. My friends here all agree that the dictionary must be abridged into the Octavo form, but I cannot do the work myself & who shall be procured to do the work, I do not know. The Rev. Mr. Robins, late of East Windsor, is now unsettled and he is very fond of philological pursuits; but I do not know that he would undertake this work. I think however, that the works should be undertaken soon. Yours respectfully, N. Webster”. Obviously overwhelmed by the laborious project of finishing his dictionary — which, with 70,000 entries, surpassed in both scope and excellence all previous dictionaries — we know that Webster did not edit it down to octavo form as he had planned. The dictionary was published later that year in two quarto volumes, forever solidifying his legacy as wordsmith par excellence. Single page letter measures 7.25″ x 11.75. “S. Converse” is written at lower left and “copy” at upper left, indicating this was Webster’s retained copy of his letter to Converse. Letter has toning and a small tear and hole along fold. Overall in very good condition. Sold for $3,000.
Noah Webster 1803 Autograph Letter Twice-Signed — Written Three Years Before Publication of His First Dictionary
Famed lexicographer Noah Webster autograph letter signed ”N. Webster”. The creator of the famous American English language dictionary datelines his letter 26 July 1803 from Balltown [Iowa]. Three years later, he would publish his first dictionary, ”A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language.” Letter is addressed to an undisclosed ”gentleman” and discusses a current trip he is taking: ”Gentleman — I have been longer on my journey westward than I expected — If I have any letters at Albany, pray be so good as to direct them to Rutland in Vermont, for which place I depart this afternoon — Yours Respectfully / N Webster”. He additionally signs and inscribes back panel, ”Noah Webster / Balltown Springs / July 28 1803”. 1pp. document measures 7.5” x 11” with some showthrough and toning. Paper loss along bottom edge. Very good. Sold for $1,008.
Early Noah Webster Autograph Letter Signed — ”…I will doubtless have your money immediately…” — 1788
Noah Webster autograph letter signed as a thirty year-old Yale graduate. The lexicographer and creator of the famous American English language dictionary datelines his letter New York, 31 May 1788. A prolific writer whose height of popularity wasn’t achieved until after his death, the ”Father of American Education” writes a somewhat desperate letter to his lenders: ”Gentlemen, The Campbells have paid the account on this condition – my giving my word that the 8 plates shall be sent them, for which they will give two thirds of a dollar. I have done this, without directions, but presume, for the sake of a final termination of difficulties, you will acquiesce. I send the plates the first opportunity. To save the risque of sending money, I have…bills on the best men in Hartford which will all be paid – But I have another reason for it – The exchange is 7 or 8 percent which, if I send money, must be your loss – Mr. Watson, to save a part of this, I oblige you, has given me bills at 5 percent discount. You save 2 – probably 3 percent. I will doubtless have your money immediately – at the same time it obliges him – I have done the best I could I hope my conduct will meet with your approbations. I am gentlemen, your most obedient…servant, Noah Webster / P.S. I hope I should not be disappointed of the paper…The bills enclosed amount to one shilling more than the sum your due…” 2pp. letter with post script written in Webster’s hand to verso measures 7.5” x 9.25”. Webster’s name appears in an unknown hand to verso. Toning and creasing, else near fine. Sold for $1,420.
FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Noah Webster autograph that is for sale, please email [email protected] or call the Nate D. Sanders Auction House (http://www.NateDSanders.com) office at (310) 440-2982.
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