Autographs
Rare Printed“Declaration of Independence” Textile Type Illustrated As Item Number 23 In “Threads of History”
(DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE). c. 1826, Printed Textile Broadside of “The Declaration of Independence,” Printed in Brown on Off-White Linen Cloth, Very Fine.
This extremely rare historical Printed Textile is seen illustrated on page 57 of the major reference: “Threads of History,” issued by the Smithsonian, being listed and described as Item number 23. It measures about 33” x 27” and is printed in brown on off-white linen cloth. This example is in superior quality for the age of the fabric, even with expected even tone, scattered small holes that are mostly in or near the corners. The design includes the entire text of the Declaration of Independence, plus all of the Facsimile Signatures of the Signers. The design is surrounded by decorative vignettes of each of the official Seals representing the Original Thirteen Colonies, plus vignettes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. At bottom left is an action vignette showing the Boston Tea Party; while at right, is a vignette of General Burgoyne’s Surrender at the Battle of Saratoga. We sold a similar textile in our EAHA, November 14, 2008 Auction, Lot 2018, graded Choice Very Fine for $7,080. This current historic textile will certainly present quite excellently and prove very impressive when properly archivally framed for display.
Most of the delegates signed The Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776, in geographic order of their colonies from north to south, though some delegates were not present and had to sign later. Several myths surround the document: because it is dated July 4, 1776, many people falsely believe it was signed on that date. John Hancock's name is larger than that of the other signatories, and an unfounded legend states that it is large so that King George III would be able to read it without his spectacles.