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DAVID RITTENHOUSE, 1787 Autograph Document Signed

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Autographs

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David Rittenhouse Signed Document as Treasurer of Pennsylvania

DAVID RITTENHOUSE, American Astronomer and First Director of the United States Mint.
March 6th, 1787, Autograph Document Signed, "Davd. Rittenhouse, Treasr." (acting as Treasurer of Pennsylvania), 1 page, 2.75" x 8," Choice Very Fine. This early American financial document, handwritten by David Rittenhouse, is a receipt for £140 received from duties collected in Southwark District of Pennsylvania. Rittenhouse's bold signature, including his title, is 4" in length. Aside from a small bit missing from the upper left corner, a .5" archivally repaired tear on the top edge, and a small stain after the date, this document is in great condition. Also, with this document there is an engraved page measuring 9.25" x 5.75" with a half length portrait of Rittenhouse, with his telescope, consulting a document at his desk. His name is printed below the portrait, along with a facsimile of his signature. This portrait is Choice Extremely Fine. This engraving was done by James B. Longacre from a painting by C. W. Peale. Longacre (1794-1869) was the fourth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1844 to 1869. This Signed Document and engraved portrait will enhance any collection relating to the United States Mint or American Astronomy.

David Rittenhouse (1732–1796), American astronomer and instrument maker, born near Germantown, Pennsylvania. He was self-educated, a clockmaker by trade, and developed great skill in the making of mathematical instruments. He was called upon to determine, with his own instruments, the boundary lines of several states and also part of the boundary known as the Mason-Dixon Line. In 1769 he was asked by the American Philosophical Society to observe the transit of Venus. His contributions include the use of measured grating intervals and spider threads on the focus of the telescope. Active in public affairs, he was a member of the convention that framed Pennsylvania's constitution and was state treasurer (1777–1789) and first director of the U.S. Mint (1792–1795). After the Revolution he was an Anti-Federalist. He succeeded Benjamin Franklin as president (1791–1796) of the American Philosophical Society; most of his writings appeared in its Transactions.

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