Lot 2029
  • 2029

(THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE). RUSTIC WOODEN BOX MADE FROM THE WOOD OF PENN'S TREATY TREE

Estimate
35,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description

  • Rustic wooden box made from the Wood of Penn's Treaty Tree
Box (6 7/8 x 3 5/8 x 2 in.; 175 x 94 x 52 mm), the lid hinged at rear and with two clasps and catches on front. The lid  inscribed "For the Friend of | RELIGIOUS & CIVIL | FREEDOM— | LA FAYETTE." The front panel inscribed "from a | disciple of penn". The inside lid inscribed "Penn's Treaty with the | Indians of Pennsylvania | 1682. | unbroken faith". The inside of the box inscribed "part of the tree | under which the | TREATY WAS SIGNED".

Catalogue Note

The Penn Treaty elm, immortalized by Edward Hicks, fell during a storm on 5 March 1810. Revered as the place where William Penn met with Lenape Chief Tamanend in 1682 and pledged a treaty of friendship, the wood from the tree was prized and often fashioned into gifts for dignitaries. In addition to Lafayette, both President Lincoln and Chief Justice John Marshall were among those who received such keepsakes.