Description:

A piece of copper flashing from the roof of George Washington's mansion at Mount Vernon

[ GEORGE WASHINGTON (1732-1799)] A triangular sheet of copper, 7.75" x 3", bearing a penciled notation on one side: "Roof Mt Vernon" and a number, "No 220" accomplished in ink on the same side at one corner.

Copper was a preferred material to reinforce roofs against the weather. Mount Vernon's roof was a continual concern for Washington. In 1784 he complained that the mansion was "plagued with leaks at a Cupula, etc." and later advised his nephew in repairing the cupola: "Let particular care be used to putty, or put copper on all the joints to prevent the leaking & rotting of the wood as it will be difficult & expensive to repair it hereafter." (George Washington to William Hamilton, April 6, 1784, in Fitzpatrick, ed., Writings; G.W. to George Augustine Washington, August 12, 1787, George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress, 1741-1799, Series 8a).

From the collection of Dr. Weldon E. Petz, a well-known and avid collector from Michigan. Offered with a letter of provenance.

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