Description:

Millard Fillmore
Washington D.C., January 21, 1853
Millard Fillmore & Peter Force Inform Photographer that Niagara Falls Daguerreotypes Will Be Displayed at Great Exhibition in London
DS
Document signed, dated January 21, 1853, Washington D.C. on Executive Mansion Stationery informing J. H. Whitehurst that he has been awarded an Exhibition Medal to exhibit his Daguerreotypes of Niagara Falls at the Exhibition of the Works of All Nations in London in 1851. Boldly signed by President Fillmore as "Millard Fillmore" and Peter Force with his large and iconic signature as "Peter Force." Toning, foxing, some tears and mounted to board trimmed to size, but boldly signed. See photos for details. The document measures approximately 7.75" x 10."

In full:

"To J. H. Whitehurst Baltimore, Md.

Sir:

I have the pleasure to inform you that a Jury of the Royal Commissions connected with the Exhibition of the Works of all Nations at London, in the year 1851, in consideration of your having exhibited a Daguerreotypes: Falls of Niagara;

has awarded you an Exhibitors Medal, Certificate, and a copy of the Reports of the Jurors.

These articles are in the possession of Col. Peter Force of this city, Chairman of the American Executive Committee, and will be forwarded to you by such mode of conveyance as you shall suggest.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Millard Fillmore Chairman of the Central Committee U.S.

Peter Force

Chairman.

P.S. You will please direct your communications on this subject, to Jos. C.G. Kennedy, Secretary of the Executive Committee."

The Great Exhibition of 1851, held in London's Hyde Park, was a monumental event showcasing the industrial and cultural prowess of the era. Housed within the magnificent Crystal Palace, a vast iron and glass structure designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, the exhibition featured over 100,000 exhibits from around the world. Visitors marveled at technological innovations, artistic masterpieces, and exotic goods, representing the pinnacle of human achievement and creativity. From the latest steam engines and machinery to exquisite fabrics and intricate crafts, the exhibition was a celebration of progress and international collaboration, drawing millions of attendees and leaving a lasting legacy on the Victorian era and beyond.

Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, had a connection to the Great Exhibition of 1851 through his support and facilitation of American participation. During his presidency, Fillmore recognized the importance of showcasing American industrial and cultural achievements on the global stage. He endorsed the involvement of the United States in the exhibition and helped coordinate the efforts to send American exhibits to London. This participation allowed the United States to demonstrate its advancements and ingenuity alongside other leading nations, enhancing its international reputation and fostering transatlantic connections during a period of rapid technological progress.

Peter Force was an influential American historian, archivist, and politician of the 19th century, renowned for his dedication to preserving the nation's historical documents. His most notable achievement was the "American Archives," a multi-volume series compiling an extensive collection of Revolutionary War-era documents. Among these treasures was his printing of the Declaration of Independence, known as the Force Declaration, which provided scholars and the public with access to high-quality facsimiles of this foundational document. Force's meticulous work in historical preservation ensured that future generations could study and appreciate the pivotal moments of American history with greater accuracy and understanding.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 7.75" x 10"
  • Medium: DS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

August 7, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000