Description:

A scarce volume commemorating the official banquet held for the centennial of the United States Constitution_extra-illustrated with a 1789 document in which several officials, "solemnly swear" that they would "support the Constitution of the United States."

A scarce volume, Banquet Given by the Learned Societies of Philadelphia at the American Academy of Music September 17, 1887 Closing the Ceremonies in Commemoration of the Framing and Signing of the Constitution of the United States (Philadelphia: Printed for the Committee [by J. Lippincott Company], 1888) 86 pp. tall 8vo., with six engraved plates as well as numerous illustrations bound in full morocco with clever vignette in gilt on cover and ribbed titled spine. Extra illustrated with a manuscript Document Signed by 13 local New York officials, New York, 1 page, 8" x 12.75", Montgomery County, [New York], October 24, 1789 affirming that they would "support the Constitution of the United States." Front board detached and spine loose, some light toning to page edges. Document bears a partial separations along the center horizontal fold, some marginal chipping and tears, else very good.

An unusual volume commissioned to commemorate the closing ceremonies celebrating the centennial of the signing of the Untied States Condition. The present volume includes an extra illustration, a manuscript document, affixed the front blank flyleaf, signed during the first year the Constitution was in force, and reads: "Montgomery Js. I ______ do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States." Below those words, each signer has added their signature and the date of singing, beginning on October 24, 1789 and concluding on February 10, 1790. The first signature is that of Roger Kinne, a representative from Otsego County in the New York State Assembly from 1808-1809. Otsego County was one of three counties that split from Montgomery County in 1791.

New York was one of the last states to ratify the Constitution. The state's ratification convention, held in Poughkeepsie on July 26 passed the document by a narrow margin 30-27. New York's ratification, together with that of Virginia, were viewed as key endorsements of the new Constitution. Without the assent of these two important states, the Constitution might have never come into force, or would have led to a new convention to draft a revised document. Fortunately, the framers in Philadelphia allowed for amendments to the document, which helped ally some of the fears of those opposed to the new system of government.

The centennial celebration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution was concluded with an official banquet held at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia and was attended by President Grover Cleveland, former President Rutherford B. Hayes, fifteen governors, and many distinguished Senators and Congressmen, Civil War generals and ambassadors of foreign states. The volume includes a seating chart of the banquet, a reproduction of the menu, the official program, as well as the addresses of various attending dignitaries.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

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

Shipping

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. Shipping and handling costs are competitive, we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx and USPS to P.O. Boxes only. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT and may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

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

January 28, 2016 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% 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