November 19, 2020: Fall Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/19/2020
This 12x26 framed display features the rare signature of William Penn, who under his direction, the city of Philadelphia was planned and developed. As one of the earlier supporters of colonial unification, Penn wrote and urged for a union of all the English colonies in what was to become the United States of America. The democratic principles that he set forth in the Pennsylvania Frame of Government served as an inspiration for the members of the convention framing the new Constitution of the United States in Philadelphia in 1787. This partial ADS measures 6x2" (at its longest point) and is dated "Amsterdam, ye 4 mo 1686" and signed "Wm Penn" with visible creasing and flaws. The document reads, "..above mentioned one thousand acres of land -- and his heirs dated ye 17th July 1685. To this -- own hand as follows vs. acknowledge -- in my presence" and is signed in black fountain pen. The display features two postcards of Penn, including his statue at City Hall in Philadelphia and another of City Hall, along with a nameplate at the bottom. The signature is authenticated by BAS with a full LOA.
William Penn Cut Signature Display (1686) (BAS)
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