William Woodruff Declaration of Independence Broadside, ca. 1820

An engraved, silked broadside of the Declaration of Independence. 1p, measuring 20.5" x 29.75" (sight), N.p., ca. 1820. The Declaration's text appears inside an ornate, circular frame containing the state seals of the original thirteen states. Topped with portraits of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. A printed dedication from engraver William Woodruff appears near the bottom reading, "To the People of the United States this Engraving of the Declaration of Independence is most respectfully inscribed Woodruff." Framed in an antique wooden frame to the overall size of 26.25" x 35.5". Slight warping throughout, with dampstaining at the bottom edge and bottom right corner. A few small holes are present along the left edge. Minor soiling in places. The frame has slight loss and wear at the bottom edge, else fine. The broadside has not been inspected outside of the frame.

When Woodruff released his Declaration of Independence broadside, he was instantly accused of stealing the design of fellow engraver, John Binns. Woodruff focused less on the quality of the engraving (which is evident in a side-by-side comparison of the two) and was able to release his copy quicker. Binns' filed a lawsuit stating that Woodruff had stolen his design while serving as a journeyman for one of Binns' employees, a man named George Murray. The lawsuit was unsuccessful, but the public feud between the two men increased interest in the broadsides.

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.

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