William H. Seward 18K Gold Pen Reportedly Used During Alaska Purchase

An 18k gold pen, measuring 4.75" x 0.5", weighing 0.05lbs, ca. 1860s. A beautiful and elaborately hand etched and embossed gold fountain pen belonging to William H. Seward. Engraved on the pen's barrel is "Hon. Wm. H. Seward", while a "W.H.S." stamp (printed as mirrored) is seen at the base. Ornately carved design with a sliding retractable nib function. The pen's original nib is not included. Expected light wear from use, but overall very fine.

This stunning piece came from the estate of Alan Drohan Esq. of Fulton, who, apart from having a prosperous law career, ran a successful antique business in Fulton, New York. He had a particular interest in the Victorian era, and his obituary described him as “extremely knowledgeable about antiques”. Drohan was also a founding member of the Fulton Friends of History, which has its home in the John Wells Pratt House in Fulton. According to the Drohan Estate, this pen is believed to have been used to sign the paperwork which finalized the sale of Alaska from Russia in 1867. Fulton is a mere 28 miles from where William Seward died and his descendants settled, and it is highly probable that the two families may have come into contact with each other. While we cannot do more than attribute this pen to the Alaskan signing, we are confident that this was once owned and used by William Henry Seward. The incredible fanciness of the pen makes us more confident that this relic made Alaska ours.

William H. Seward (1801-1872) was born in New York and educated as a lawyer. After Lincoln won the 1860 election, he asked Seward to serve as his Secretary of State. Russia had established a presence in North America during the first half of the 18th century, but few Russians ever settled in Alaska. In the aftermath of the Crimean War, Russian Tsar Alexander II began exploring the possibility of selling Alaska, and Seward, who had expressed an interest in the territory since 1860, pressed the Russians to enter into negotiations. Talks began with Russian minister Eduard de Stoeckl in early March 1867, and a deal was reached on March 30, 1867. The purchase added 586,412 square miles to the United States for the cost of $7.2 million. Some opponents nicknamed the deal "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox", but the treaty was ratified by the U.S. Senate by a wide margin. However, Alaska would remain sparsely populated until the Klondike Gold Rush in 1896.

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!