[Treaty of Paris] | The Copley copy

[Treaty of Paris]

The Definitive Treaty of Peace and Friendship, between His Britannick Majesty, and the United States of America. Signed at Paris, the 3d of September, 1783. Published by Authority. London: T. Harrison &S. Brooke, 1783

4to (210 x 165 mm). Woodcut printer's monogram on title; some spotting on title, lightly browned. Modern quarter calf over marbled boards, spine with red morocco label lettered in gilt.

The official British printing of the treaty which ended the revolution

Signed in print by D. Hartley, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay. "Though not formally ratified until January 14, 1784, the terms embodied in this preliminary printing first acknowledged to the world the existence of the United States as a nation" (Howes).

Very rare. Though printed after the first edition (which appeared in Paris), it is much rarer on the market, with no other copy appearing at auction in over forty-five years.

REFERENCE:

Adams, American Controversy 83-43; ESTC 53339; Howes D212

PROVENANCE:

Sotheby's New York, 4 June 2013, lot 155 — James S. Copley Library (sale, Sotheby's New York, 14 April 2010, lot 71