Washington, George, as first President

Manuscript document signed ("Go: Washington"), on paper (13 1/2 x 20 1/2 in.; 343 x 524 mm), written in a neat calligraphic hand, Philadelphia, 14 April 1792, being David Rittenhouse's appointment as Director of the Mint of the United States, countersigned by Vice President Thomas Jefferson ("Th: Jefferson"), embossed paper seal of the United States; laid down on a larger sheet of paper, which is stretched over a mounting board; some very light soiling.

The family of Thomas and William Barton (Thomas Barton was married to Rittenhouse's sister)

George Washington's appointment of the first director of the United States Mint. "President Washington appointed David Rittenhouse director of the mint of the United States on April 14, 1792,  less than two weeks after the act establishing it became law. ... The choice of Rittenhouse as director seemed peculiarly appropriate to men who differed on other subjects. Regarded in all quarters as the leading Newtonian philosopher in America, he was popularly most honored as a practical scientist—a mechanic-scientist. What could be a more fitting capstone to his career or a more fortunate result for the nation than that Rittenhouse, like Newton, should become 'Master of the Mint'" (Brook Hindle, David Rittenhouse [1964], pp. 331–32).

Largely self-taught, Rittenhouse achieved great successes in mathematics, surveying, and astronomy, but he is best remembered for his meticulous crafting of clocks and scientific instruments: orreries, compasses, levels, telescopes, transits, thermometers, and barometers.