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THBBenjamin O. Tyler Signature Sheet, Declaration Signers
About Seller
PO Box 2135
Asheville, NC 28802
United States
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Brunk Auctions has been conducting sales of fine and decorative arts for over 30 years. Auctions are held in our North Carolina sale room but attracts a global audience. Founded by Robert Brunk in 1983, the auctions became well known for their integrity and profes...Read more
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About Auction
LiveMar 26, 2022
Premier Auction - March 26, 2022 - Lots 739-1167. Auction Begins 9:00AM EST. Brunk Auctions support@brunkauctions.com
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- Lot Description
American, ca. 1816, brown ink on laid paper, a faithful representation of all 56 Declaration of Independence signers on signature panel, subsequently used as model for Tyler's popular broadside, this panel featured in Charles Hamilton, American Autographs, 9-1/4 x 17-1/2 in.; later wood frame, 13 x 21 in.
Note: Nineteenth century writing master Benjamin Owen Tyler used this signature sheet to produce his famous engraved print of the Declaration of Independence. It was such a faithful facsimile of each signature that it caused Richard Rush, Acting Secretary of State at the time, to declare "I have, myself, examined the signatures to each. Those executed by Mr. Tyler are curiously exact imitations; so much so that it would be difficult, if not impossible, of the closest scrutiny to distinguish them, were it not for the hand of time, from the originals."
The cruel "hand of time" was the very reason for Tyler's project from the start. With forty years worth of deterioration the original document had become fragile and signatures muted. This well executed maquette by Tyler would become the template for anyone who wished to reproduce the hand of any of these original 56 Declaration Signers.
The verso is inscribed in pencil: "BENJAMIN OWEN TYLER 1789-? made these signatures flawlessly from the original Declaration 1816/made first printing engraving of Declaration Independence 1818/these are the only signatures left/originals are no longer visible/this manuscript is from John Adams estate/Owen Tyler was relative." This inscription is signed "Mrs. Hoyt".
Interestingly, the broadside produced from this signature panel is featured across the inside cover and flyleaf of Charles Hamilton's book American Autographs. That broadside, of course, having the signatures arranged in a different order as found here. It is worth noting that an 1845 Declaration printing by Humphrey Phelps does show the names oriented identically to those on the maquette.
Hamilton, Charles. American Autographs: Signers of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War Leaders, Presidents 1. (1983). - XI, 353 S. 1. (1983). - XI, 353 S. Norman: Univ. of Oklahoma Pr, 1983.
Provenance: Hoyt family (inscribed verso)
Condition
laid and stabilized on card, minimal foxing near right edge, inkblots as made, creases, wear at periphery, toning commensurate with age
- Shipping Info
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Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.
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