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Below is a recent realized price for a copy of Thomas Paine Common Sense (1776) printed by R Bell. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:
Thomas Paine Common Sense R Bell 1776. Sold for Over $55,000.
Here are some related items we have sold:
Very Rare Thomas Paine Autograph Letter Signed, to Fellow Revolutionary Ira Allen
Thomas Paine autograph letter signed, from sometime in the 1790s, when Paine was exiled in France for writing subversive text such as “Rights of Man”. Paine writes to fellow Revolutionary Ira Allen, brother of Ethan Allen, who was also in Paris periodically throughout the 1790s as a result of his prosecution by the English government. Paine writes in full, “Dear Citizen – I called at the Caffe Boston today, where I dined, but you were not at home, – will you call on me tomorrow morning, at 12 OClock. / Thomas Paine”. Dated “4 Vendemiaire” or 26 September at top, and with verso bearing the name of “Le General Allen / Americain”. Interestingly, during this time Cafe Boston was a known haunt of Americans critical of the French government – controlled by Robespierre and the Montagnards, the faction responsible for the Reign of Terror. As Paine spoke out against the execution of Louis XVI, he was subsequently imprisoned by the French government, as was Allen during the 1790s. A 30 December 1802 police report comments about the Cafe, “Some middle class English people often meet at the cafe Boston on Vivienne Street. They speak only in their own language; our government is always the subject of their conversions, and they say nothing but bad things about it. They take great care not to be overheard”. Single page letter measures 7″ x 4.75″. Remnants of prior mounting to verso, small hole at bottom and some showthrough from writing on verso. Overall in very good condition, with a bold signature by Paine. Accompanied by a 4.25″ x 6″ engraving of Paine. Sold for $10,400.
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.
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.
Very scarce debt certificate signed by Paul Revere during the Revolutionary War, issued by the Massachusetts-Bay Colony to raise badly needed funds for the war. Issued 19 February 1777, this note is signed by Revere on the verso, acknowledging annual interest in the amount of 12 shillings, dated 23 February 1778. Beautifully signed ”Paul Revere” with an elegant paraph accentuating his signature.
Revere was known to have invested his own funds in the Revolutionary War via debt certificates, so much so that he suffered financially during the war as a result. Since Revere was a soldier from 1777-78, and not a member of the colonial legislature, the most likely reason he would have signed the note is as lender, acknowledging interest received. Front of note is signed by Henry Gardner as Treasurer and Receiver-general of the colony, and by two of Gardner’s Boston deputies: William Cooper, and Nathaniel Appleton.
Massachusetts-Bay was the first colony in 1776 to issue debt certificates to pay for the war effort, with this note in February 1777 an early example. Note is number 16317, with a double hatch mark over Gardner’s signature indicating that the note was eventually repaid in full. With elaborate letterpress scrollwork along border, reading ”BOUNTY NOTE” along left edge, partly-printed note measures approximately 6.375” x 6.75” on cream laid paper. Intersecting folds, neither affecting signature, with split starting along right horizontal fold. Trimmed along left edge. Overall very good condition. With University Archives COA. A fantastic example of Revere’s signature from the Revolutionary War, with patriotic association to the war effort. Sold for $36,603.
Declaration of Independence signer, Thomas Nelson autograph letter signed, “Thos Nelson Jr.” as Governor of Virginia, thus Governor of the state where the Yorktown Surrender and the last fighting of the Revolutionary War happened. In this autograph letter signed, with an additional free frank signed, Nelson asks Brigadier General George Weedon to thwart disaster by taking care of supplying provisions for Washington’s Yorktown-bound army. Nelson personally fought in the Seige of Yorktown. Datelined Richmond, Virginia, 3 September 1781, letter reads: “…After congratulating you on the arrival of 28 French ships of the line, six frigates & 3000 troops, permit me to request your assistance for the support of a considerable army that are now on their march from the northward…Disappointment to so large an army would be attended with the most fatal effects. I think the game is nearly up with Cornwallis…” Large folio document runs one page and measures 8″ x 12.5″. Toning and light staining, with signed address leaf mounted to verso, else near fine. Published in Magazine of History, August 1910, pages 125-6. Provenance: Henkels Joshua I. Cohen sale, 12 November 1907, lot 122; collection of Adrian Joline; sold by Mary Benjamin to Allyn Kellogg Ford. Sold for $23,116.
1843 Force Declaration of Independence From Original Copper Plate — Beautiful Copy
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.
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.
George Washington Autograph Military Document Signed as Commander of the Continental Army
George Washington autograph document signed, “G Washington” as Commander of the Continental Army. Document discharges the soldier John Martindale, datelined Headquarters (Newburgh, NY), 8 June 1783. Countersigned by Jonathan Trumbull Jr. and H. Savage. Signed by Martindale on verso. Two-page document on a single sheet measures 8″ x 10.75″. Separation to folds and an additional half sheet patched onto verso. Overall in very good condition with a large, excellent signature. Sold for $13,728.
George Washington Autograph Letter Signed as First Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army — 21 April 1781
George Washington autograph letter signed “G. Washington” as first Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, dated 21 April 1781 from headquarters in New Windsor (now New York). During much of the Revolutionary War, New Windsor served as the major depot for the Continental Army and the Army medical department. Letter reads in full: “Sir / You will oblige me by putting the inclosed into the Mail which I think will leave Hartford on Monday next. I am with very good Regard / Dear Sir / Your most Obt. and humble Servt. / G. Washington”. Since New York City was being held by British forces, Washington was forced to use mail routes across Connecticut, Long Island Sound and Long Island to communicate with points south. Shortly before Washington signed this letter, British naval forces attacked Charleston, South Carolina, forcing Washington to send troops to aid Americans, though Charleston would later fall on 12 May 1781 in the heaviest American defeat of the War. Washington remained in the north, collecting intelligence and planning other strategic moves, with limited mail use. Letter is beautifully mounted in a gilt frame with a creme-colored hand-wrapped silk mat. The letter was encapsulated in mylar by Frank Mowery of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington D.C. Small chip of paper is missing at lower right, slightly affecting the “n” and “t” in Washington’s signature, though paper has been expertly filled in. Letter measures 6.5″ x 7.5″ and is in very good condition with nice, large signature at close of letter. Frame also encloses a color portrait of Washington and a biographical plaque. Sold for $12,490.
Gloucester, Across the River From Yorktown, Two Months Before the Surrender Was Made, Lafayette Writes That Cornwallis Is There With His Whole Force as the Aforementioned Readies U.S. Troops
Marquis de Lafayette letter signed “Lafayette” as Major General from “Camp Forks of York River.” He writes to Brigadier General George Weedon in preparation to confront Cornwallis, requesting cavalry stores and ammunition for his Virginia Campaign. Dated 18 August 1781, letter reads in part: “…I received information this morning that such of the enemy as were at York have crossed over to Gloucester, where Lord Cornwallis is with his whole force. I do not wish to give the militia of the northern neck the least unnecessary fatigue, and for this reason, in place of calling them into the field, I would have them to be in a state of readiness to act on the shortest notice…It is said that there is a stock of Continental ammunition in cartridges at Leesburg. We want nothing so much, except arms, as this article…” Three pages on card-style stationery measure 6.5″ x 8.5″. Light foxing and toning, in very good condition overall. Abstracted in “Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution,” IV:509. Sold for $11,400.
Important Revolutionary War document signed by Daniel Boone regarding one of the last battles of the Revolutionary War where Kentucky militiamen were routed by Native American forces allied with the British in the Battle of Blue Licks. Dated 21 December 1782 from Fayette County, Kentucky, where the battle occurred, document reads in full, ”We being first sworn have appraised one Sorrel Mare about fourteen hands high about eight years old branded on the nigh buttock ET to twenty five pounds the property of James Buchanan taken for the Commonwealth and State of Virginia from Buchanans Station to the upper Polen Licks on a scout after the Indians under the command of Capt. John Constant given under the hands this 21st day of Dec’ber 1782.” Document is then signed by ”John Constant, Capt.”, ”Daniel Boone (Lt.”, ”Nicolas Proctor” and ”James Little”.
Congressional records show that a bay horse owned by Buchanan was lost during the infamous raid on the American encampment at Bryan Station, which precipitated the Battle of Blue Licks. On 15 August 1782, Native American forces laid siege to the camp, killing the livestock and destroying crops, which in turn led the Kentucky militiamen, including both Boone and his son Israel Boone who died in the battle, to the battlefield where they were greatly outnumbered by British allied forces; of the 182 Kentucky soldiers fighting, 72 were killed and 11 captured. After the battle, Boone and others submitted claims to recover lost property, which Congress approved.
Document measures approximately 8.25” x 4.5” with uneven edges. Folds, with archival repair to verso, neither affecting Boone’s bold signature. Very good condition. With RR Auction provenance, lot 181 of their 15 October 2014 sale. Sold for $10,625.
John Hancock military document signed from 1776, as President of the Continental Congress, appointing an Ensign to the 1st New Hampshire Regiment, headed by Colonel John Stark. At the Revolutionary War Battle of Bennington, Stark rallied over 1,400 untrained militiamen, without uniforms and using their personal firearms, to thwart a British raid on Bennington, Vermont, famously telling his troops, “We’ll beat them before night or Molly Stark’s a widow!” Dubbed “The Hero of Bennington” and promoted to General, Stark also proved himself at Bunker Hill, Trenton, Princeton and the Siege of Boston.
John Hancock’s large, eloquent signature is on full display here, with his characteristic paraph below. Dated 8 November 1776, document is countersigned by Charles Thomson as Secretary of the Continental Congress. Measures 12″ x 8.25″. Reinforced with paper on verso. Some separation along folds, with folds touching the ends of Hancock’s signature. Overall very good condition given age, and with a bold, attractive signature by Hancock. Sold for $9,375.
Benjamin Franklin document signed as President of the Committee of Safety for the American colonies in the Revolutionary War, dated 4 October 1775 (mistakenly written 1755) from Philadelphia; Franklin was appointed President of the Committee earlier in 1775. With large, bold signature ”B. Franklin Presidt”, document is headed ”In Committee of Safety”, and appoints the Gentleman John Hennessy to Lieutenant of the armed boat Effingham, reading in part, ”…We reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, Do by these Presents constitute and appoint you to be Lieutenant of the Provincial Armed boat, called the Effingham fitted out for the protection of the Province of Pennsylvania, and the Commerce of the River Delaware, against all hostile Enterprizes and for the defence of American Liberty…” Document measures 13” x 8.25”. Some uneven toning, and professionally laid to paper for infill. Very good condition with bold signature. With PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $8,750.
Fantastic Marquis de Lafayette autograph letter twice-signed from Richmond, dated 3 May 1781 to General George Weedon, less than six months from the end of the war and this Virginia Campaign leading to the Surrender at Yorktown. Lafayette theorizes about the enemy’s next move and orders Weedon to prepare to defend Fredericksburg. He describes his successful effort to deter the British from Richmond, ”…they have spoke with surprise of the rapidity of our march…” and the disposition of Good and Innis’ militias. He then conveys important orders for Weedon: ”…From every circumstance I am aprehensive that having been frustrated in their tentative against Richmond, the ennemy will proceed to Frederisburg. You know that Mr. Hunter’s works are the great resource of the Southern Department. I wish therefore you will remain in that part and collect a number of good riflemen…ready to be into the field when the ennemy appear at the mouth of Pottowmack, where you will have an intelligent officer and a chain of expresses to convey his letters to you. From the time I know that the ennemy appear at the mouth of Pottowmack, I can in four days be with you…” He signs, ”Lafayette”. Franking signature, ”Lafayette M G” also appears on the address (fourth) page. Letter measures 7.75” x 12.75” and runs three pages. Minor soiling and paper loss; very good condition. Published in ”Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution,” IV:77-79. Sold for $8,711.
Long autograph letter signed by Richard Henry Lee, as Chair of the Marine Committee of Continental Congress, to Governor Patrick Henry of Virginia concerning Governor Henry’s interest in the exchange of naval prisoners. Retained draft is datelined Philadelphia, 3 March 1779. Lee explains how the congressional committee distinguishes between state and Continental prisoners, and how the British negotiate for each, adding that ”no cartel has ever been, or could be settled with the enemy for American prisoners in G.B., they being unwilling there to recognize us in such a light…and therefore these exchanges have been confined to prisoners in America only.” Given the enormous number of American prisoners of war who were dying in British prison ships, exchanges were a matter of great urgency, but were only rarely completed. Large single page letter measures 8” x 12.75”. Moderate dampstaining, paper repairs to separations at folds, verso reinforcement on bottom right of letter, two small ink burn holes, and numerous cross-outs and emendations. Very good condition. Published in Letters of Delegates to Congress, 12:142-3. Provenance: Freeman’s sale, 16 April 1928, lot 167. Sold for $7,199.
Marquis de Lafayette signs a letter as major general in the Continental Army. Handwritten by his nephew, George Augustine Washington, the letter is signed, ”Lafayette” in the Marquis’ hand. On 27 July 1781, from Malvern Hill [Henrico County, Virginia], he writes to Brigadier General George Weedon, ”…I make no doubt before this you have heard of the enemy’s being in Hampton Road. About two thousand five hundred have embarked and every thing in readiness to sail, supposed for N. York, but I cannot ascertain the certainty. They have on board pilots for the rivers and bay. I wish you to pay the most particular attention to have persons that you can confide in at the mouths of the rivers to give you the earliest information. Upon you I depend for the first disposition and the earliest information. Should they move up Potomack I will move there with the greatest rapidity as my present situation is as nearly calculated to protect the different parts of the state as possible…” Two page folio letter runs 8.25” x 12.75”. Small stains on the signature and elsewhere, but overall near fine. Published in ”Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution,” IV:280-1. Sold for $7,199.
Marquis de Lafayette letter signed ”Lafayette” as Major General. He writes to Brigadier General George Weedon, head of the Virginia militia regarding Fredericksburg. Dated 21 June 1781 from ”Head Quarters” [en route from Fredericksburg to Richmond], it reads: ”…Your exertions have been of infinite service, and although I wish you with me, yet we must suffer greatly should we lose the assistance to be derived from your remaining a little longer where you are. This morning the enemy evacuated Richmond, and by the last accounts were near Bottoms Bridge. It is not perfectly clear from this movement that Cornwallis intends for Williamsburg, and yet it is most probable he does…” 2pp. letter measures 7.25” x 9.25”. Small seal hole on address leaf and some blotting on the signature,; very good condition overall. Published in ”Lafayette and the Age of the American Revolution,” IV:205. Sold for $7,199.
The activities of the Continental Congress for the watershed year of 1776 are recorded comprehensively here in this first edition, first printing of ”Journals of Congress Containing The Proceedings In The Year, 1776.” Published by Order of Congress, by Robert Aitken: Philadelphia: 1777. This is one of just 532 copies which were printed in 1776, with substantially less than that available today, and is complete with the original printing of the Declaration of Independence on pages 241-246. According to text upon the title page, these records of the nation’s fledgling government were taken directly from the minutes of the Continental Congress. In addition to the Declaration of Independence, this volume chronicles the preparation for the Revolutionary War, as well as Richard Henry Lee’s 15 May proposal of independence. The book reads as a diary, with each day’s activities noted, including letters from ”General Washington” and resolutions such as one from 14 August 1776, in part, ”…his British majesty, in order to destroy our freedom and happiness has commenced against us a cruel and unprovoked war; and unable to engage Briton’s sufficient to execute his sanguinary measures has applied for aid to foreign princes, who are in the habit of selling the blood of their people for money…” Volume runs 512pp. plus index and measures 5.5” x 8.5”. Deckled-edge leaves are bound in paper boards, not original calf binding. Loss of backstrip reveals a thin layer of fabric affixed over a ribbed spine. Title page is missing the top 1.5”. Chipping to bottom edge of front board and a stamp of the previous owner on the front pastedown. In very good condition considering age. A precious record codifying the founding of the United States of America. Sold for $6,083.
John Hancock boldly signed document as the first Governor of Massachusetts. Datelined Boston, 15 March 1781, Hancock appoints Joseph Fisk to Surgeon of the 1st Regiment of Foot in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Document reads in part, ”…You are therefore carefully & diligently to discharge the Duty of a Surgeon to the said Regiment…” Document measures 14.25” x 9.25”. Boldly signed ”John Hancock” with his flourish at the bottom. Tissue repairs and small paper loss at intersecting folds. Very good condition. Sold for $5,000.
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