1859 Declaration of Independence Plaque. By Samuel H. Black of New

1859 Declaration of Independence Plaque. By Samuel H. Black of New York. Copper Electrotype, Plated with Silver-Colored Metal. Nearly As Made, and Choice. 7.25 inches x 8 inches. With triangular hanger on back, near top. An exceptionally well preserved example of this classic type, with minimal evidence of handling and lovely olive toning to the "silver" wash. There are no blemishes of even a trivial nature, confirming this as one of the nicest examples of the type that your cataloger (JLA) has seen over the last two decades or more. The plaque is dominated by a central medallion, about 86 mm, depicting the signing of The Declaration of Independence, while the entire text and signatures of that document are reproduced surrounding it. The Declaration of Independence signing scene is a physical copy of C.C. Wright's masterwork that appears on two enormous and very rare struck medals, the ca. 1851 George Washington Declaration of Independence medal (GW-181) and GW-183, the Declaration of Independence/Historical Tablet medal. There are 86 lines of text, followed by 8 lines of facsimile signatures. Below the text and signatures appears Black's copyright legend ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1859 BY S.H. BLACK IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK. Samuel Black was a master electrotyper active during the 1850s and was known for his plates, plaques and other items. In the numismatic world, he is remembered for his series of electrotype store cards in the style of contemporary Braided Hair large cents (Miller-NY 61 through 68).

Estimate:$1

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