[Declaration of Independence]

In Congress, July 4, 1776, The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America. Washington: Engraved by W. J. Stone, [reprinted by Peter Force, 1848]

Folio broadside on rice paper (30 5/8 x 25 5/8 in.; 778 x 650 mm, sight); faint dampstain in upper and lower right corners, a few light stains in lower left corner, minor marginal cockling. Glazed and framed.

faint dampstain in upper and lower right corner, a few light stains in lower left corner, minor marginal cockling. Glazed and framed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A fine copy on paper of the Declaration of Independence from the W.J. Stone copperplate without the usual foldmarks.

Stone's surviving copperplate was used by Peter Force (1790-1868) to print impressions of the facsimile on rice paper with a tone similar to that of parchment. These were intended for inclusion in a planned compilation of important American documents entitled American Archives, prepared at the behest of Congress. Force deleted Stone's original 1823 imprint in the upper portion of the plate, and added a new imprint "w.j.stone sc. washn," in the lower left.

Though 1,500 copies of the Force imprint were authorized by Congress, subscriptions were few and perhaps only 500 were issued.