Lot 101
  • 101

The Declaration of Independence

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • In Congress, July 4th, 1776. A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled. (London, July 1776)
  • ink, paper, leather
Text of The Declaration of Independence in The Lottery Magazine; or, Compleat Fund of Literary, Political and Commercial Knowledge. For August, 1776 (London: Printed for Johnson and Co., July 1776): pp. 83–85. The August 1776 issue bound in a volume with an engraved general title-page for Volume 1 of The Lottery Magazine and the issues for July, September, and October 1776 and June–October 1777.

8vo (8 3/8 x 4 7/8 in.; 213 x 124 mm). Engraved maps and plans (some folding), portraits, and plates, extra-illustrated with the insertion of 6 original engraved and accomplished lottery tickets; very occasional light spotting, final two leaves trimmed at fore-edge not affecting text. Near-contemporary vellum over boards, later red morocco spine labels; soiled, hinges cracked.

Literature

Sabin 42153 (speculating, probably incorrectly, that this was the very first English printing); not in Matyas, A Checklist of Books, Pamphlets, and Periodicals, Printing the U.S. Declaration of Independence, 1776–1825

Condition

Text of The Declaration of Independence in The Lottery Magazine; or, Compleat Fund of Literary, Political and Commercial Knowledge. For August, 1776 (London: Printed for Johnson and Co., July 1776): pp. 83–85. The August 1776 issue bound in a volume with an engraved general title-page for Volume 1 of The Lottery Magazine and the issues for July, September, and October 1776 and June–October 1777. 8vo (8 3/8 x 4 7/8 in.; 213 x 124 mm). Engraved maps and plans (some folding), portraits, and plates, extra-illustrated with the insertion of 6 original engraved and accomplished lottery tickets; very occasional light spotting, final two leaves trimmed at fore-edge not affecting text. Near-contemporary vellum over boards, later red morocco spine labels; soiled, hinges cracked.
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.

Catalogue Note

An early and very scarce English printing of the Declaration of Independence; the only copy listed on rarebookhub.com was in the Brinley sale, 1880. There is a great deal more of American interest in the volume, most notably a fine "Plan of the City of New York," likely based on Bernard Ratzer; as well as maps of Canada and Nova Scotia and a plan of Quebec.