Description:

Washington George

George Washington signed DS, with period gilt patriotic frame

 

Partly engraved Document Signed on parchment. Signed by George Washington as “G. Washington” , President of the Society of the Cincinnati, and Countersigned “H. Knox” as Secretary. Single page, completed in manuscript, 17.5” x 13" by sight. Dated Mount Vernon, Virginia, October 31, 1785. Framed. The document has usual toning and flaws that are hardly noticable. The manuscript and Washington’s signature are a tad light (as usual) but much darker than usually encountered and remain completely unrestored. Superb dark patriotic vignettes and engraving. Very good condition, not examined outside of frame. The phenomenal ornate period gilt frame, circa late 18th century, early 19th century, is constructed of pine, and is fully embellished with ornamental plaster relief, with additional patriotic highlights consisting of two shields with flags mid center to the top and bottom, and four large stars, one to each corner. Completed frame size of 24.5" x 19.5". Frame chipped in locations, please see images. A wonderful candidate for restoration.

 

In part, “Be it known that "William Ferguson Esquire", is a Member of the Society of the Cincinnati; instituted by the Officers of the American Army, at the Period of its Dissolution, as well to commemorate the great Event which gave Independence to North America, as for the laudable Purpose of inculcating the Duty of laying down in Peace Arms assumed for public Defence, and of uniting in Acts of brotherly Affection, and Bonds of perpetual Friendship, the Members constituting the same.”

 

In May, 1783 Henry Knox conceived and organized the Society of Cincinnati, a hereditary, military and patriotic organization for officers of the American Revolution and foreigners who fought with them. Founded to promote friendship, to perpetuate the rights for which they had fought, and to aid members and their families in case of need, more than 2,000 officers signed the rolls as original members. George Washington was elected the first president-general and Henry Knox was elected secretary-general. This document is on parchment, elaborately engraved by J.J. Le Veau after Lavelle, with large vignettes surrounding the calligraphic text: an American eagle flanked by clouds at top; in the lower left section a swooping eagle and an armed man holding an American flag drive a frightened woman (Britannia) wearing a crown and a British lion into the sea, while the Union Jack lies trampled on the ground; in the right foreground are a fleet of warships under full sail and an angel blowing a trumpet trailing a banner; two circular medallion devices bearing the Society's motto are incorporated at left and right.

 

Captain William Ferguson, Esquire was an original member of the State Society of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania. On October 20, 1785 just 5 days prior to the date on this document, he accepted a commission as Captain in the United States Artillery. A phenomenal piece in a unique important period gilt frame.


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