[American Revolution] [Franklin, Benjamin] Printed Privateers Bond Form

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Books and Manuscripts

By Freeman's

Sep 23, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-09-23 10:00:00 2021-09-23 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Books and Manuscripts https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/freemans/books-and-manuscripts-7438
A collection of books and manuscripts. Curated by Darren WInston, Head of the Books and Manuscripts Department at Freeman's. Freeman's info@freemansauction.com

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• Lot Description

  A rare printing from Benjamin Franklin's Passy, France printing press

  (Passy, France: Benjamin Franklin, 1781). Single sheet; 12 1/4 x 7 7/8 in. (311 x 200 mm). Unsigned printed bond for "Twenty Thousand Spanish Milled Dollars", to be executed by commanders of privateers. Livingston 30. Lot includes an engraved print.

  A rare and important printing from Benjamin Franklin's official printing press in Passy, printed while he was serving as Minister Plenipotentiary to France during the American Revolution.

  While Minister to France, Franklin set up a small printing press at his residence, printing a variety of different works, pamphlets, and printed matter. He had the authority to issue passports, as well as to commission French and Irish privateers to "attack, subdue, seize, and take all ships and other vessels, goods, wares, and merchandises, belonging to the crown of Great Britian, or any of the subjects thereof..." This bond ensured that commissioned vessels acted in a civil manner while on the high seas while in the service of the United Stares, and did not "violate the law of nations, or the rights of neutral powers, or of any of their subjects..." Failure to comply with these strictures would mean forfeiture of the bond. A fine example.

  
  
  

  From the Private Library of Kenneth Nebenzahl, Christie's, New York, Apr 10, 2012 Books and Manuscripts, Sale 2622, Lot 49

  Stack's Bowers Galleries, New York, 2012, Lot 7324

• Shipping Info

  • No lot may be removed from Freeman’s premises until the buyer has paid in full the purchase price therefor including Buyer’s Premium or has satisfied such terms that Freeman’s, in its sole discretion, shall require. Subject to the foregoing, all Property shall be paid for and removed by the buyer at his/ her expense within ten (10) days of sale and, if not so removed, may be sold by Freeman’s, or sent by Freeman’s to a third-party storage facility, at the sole risk and charge of the buyer(s), and Freeman’s may prohibit the buyer from participating, directly or indirectly, as a bidder or buyer in any future sale or sales. In addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s by law, Freeman’s reserves the right to impose a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price on any balance remaining ten (10) days after the day of sale. If Property is not removed by the buyer within ten (10) days, a handling charge of 2% of the total purchase price per month from the tenth day after the sale until removal by the buyer shall be payable to Freeman’s by the buyer. Freeman’s will not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or otherwise responsible for any goods left in Freeman’s possession after ten (10) days. If the foregoing conditions or any applicable provisions of law are not complied with, in addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s and the Consignor (including without limitation the right to hold the buyer(s) liable for the bid price) Freeman’s, at its option, may either cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the buyer(s), or resell the property. In such event, the buyer(s) shall remain liable for any deficiency in the original purchase price and will also be responsible for all costs, including warehousing, the expense of the ultimate sale, and Freeman’s commission at its regular rates together with all related and incidental charges, including legal fees. Payment is a precondition to removal. Payment shall be by cash, certified check or similar bank draft, or any other method approved by Freeman’s. Checks will not be deemed to constitute payment until cleared. Any exceptions must be made upon Freeman’s written approval of credit prior to sale. In addition, a defaulting buyer will be deemed to have granted and assigned to Freeman’s, a continuing security interest of first priority in any property or money of, or owing to such buyer in Freeman’ possession, and Freeman’s may retain and apply such property or money as collateral security for the obligations due to Freeman’s. Freeman’s shall have all of the rights accorded a secured party under the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code.

• Buyer's Premium

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    $600,000	23.00
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