Freeman's
Introducing Freeman’s—America’s Auction House since 1805
The prestige of Freeman’s, Cowan’s, and Hindman—now united under one timeless name. This November, the company will move forward simply as Freeman’s, honoring its historic legacy. The rebrand coincides with the 220th anniversary of its founding in November 1805, when Tristram B. Freeman was appointed auctioneer for the City of Philadelphia.
For more than two centuries, Freeman’s has connected people with extraordinary objects. This next chapter brings together the firm’s combined history, experience, and national reach under one trusted name. Though the brand has evolved, the commitment to clients remains unchanged: to provide exceptional service and expertise at every step.
Upcoming Auctions from Freeman's
![[American Revolution] Franklin, Benjamin. Partially-Printed Promissory Note, accomplished and twice](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/426935/237741234_1_x.jpg?height=260&quality=70&version=1785508185)
![[Natural History] Audubon, John James. Brown Pelican](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/426935/237741347_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1785508185)
![[Americana] Smith, Joseph. The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon, Upon Plates](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/426935/237741254_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1785508185)
Books & Manuscripts, Including Americana
Freeman’s August 20, 2026, Books & Manuscripts, Including Americana sale highlights the continued celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of America. It includes important documents related to the American Revolution, Presidential history, the African-American experience, fine works of literature, natural history, and much more. The sale is led by an extremely rare 1781 French loan document printed and signed by Benjamin Franklin and used to help fund the American Revolution (est. $200,000-$300,000); a first edition of The Book of Mormon ($100,000-$150,000); and two very important letters signed by President George Washington, one transmitting the first major law passed by Congress ($100,000-$150,000), and the other reaffirming the American Treaty of Friendship with Morocco ($50,000-$80,000). Other highlights include the Surveying Commission of the Continental Congress settling the New York/Massachusetts border ($30,000-$50,000); a very rare book signed by famed astrophysicist Stephen Hawking ($15,000-$25,000); a rare letter signed by early African-American businessman Paul Cuffe ($15,000-$25,000); autograph notes in the hand of Dr. Charles A. Leale, the first physician on site after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln ($12,000-$18,000); a large collection of printed and manuscript documents fresh to market from Rev. Samuel J. May, a founding member of the New England Anti-Slavery Society in the 1830s, and a lifetime ardent supporter of the abolitionist movement.Bidder Reviews for Freeman's (1,775)
4.4 out of 5.0 Stars
8 Latest Top ReviewsSee All
CarolDuxbury, MA
Aug 2, 2026
Always a Great Experience-Highly Recommended
Very pleased with both needleworks. The transaction was smooth and seamless from payment to receipt as always with Freeman's.
DanChicago, IL
Jul 31, 2026
Best auction house
Freemans is probably the best auction house to deal with. Very responsive to questions and make pickups a breeze
HaroldDuncanville, TX
Jul 30, 2026
U. S. Mailroom and Mr. Sean Munday are great!
U. S. Mailroom and Mr. Sean Munday in Philadelphia are one of the best shipping services that I have ever used. They have great communication, great response times, great customer service all at the best price! I will seek out a U. S. Mailroom facility in every city that I purchase in an see if they are nearly as good as Mr. Sean Munday and his Philadelphia facility!
![[African-Americana] Life Insurance Policy for a West Palm Beach Resident, Issued by One of the](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/420376/233883447_1_x.jpg?height=94&quality=70&version=1)
DanielGranby, CT
Jul 8, 2026
Ez Pickup
Won a painting at auction. Drove to Philly to pick it up, it was waiting for us at the door (not packaged, just as it is ready for us to wrap/pack).
JaimeMiami, FL
Jul 3, 2026
would I buy from them again? ABSOLUTELY
a great expericence, stress free perfect description quick reply to the messages
DianneWake, VA
Jun 29, 2026
Very fine auction. Super follow-up, excellent references for shipping.
Smooth operation here, helpful staff, helpful website. Excellent co-ordination. Special thanks to Rich at UPS Store # 3878 for packing, shipping fragile pottery so well.
scottNorth Hills, CA
Jun 28, 2026
Past Auctions from Freeman's
![[Chicago Pre-Fire]. Sheahan, James W. (1824-1883), text, and Louis Kurz (1833-1921), artist. Chicago](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/414348/230442113_1_x.jpg?height=260&quality=70&version=1776445662)
![[Communications Theory]. A significant archive of works on communications theory, comprising](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/414348/230442017_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1776445662)
Collect: Post War & Contemporary Art
New York, Philadelphia, Palm Beach, Chicago, IL, US![Tolkien, J.R.R. (1892-1973). [The Lord of the Rings trilogy:] The Fellowship of the Ring. 1954. --](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/414164/230334371_1_x.jpg?height=260&quality=70&version=1776349915)
![Navajo Late Classic Third Phase Blanket [Rug]](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/411077/228531696_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1774275659)
![Navajo Third Phase Chiefs Variant Weaving [Rug]](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/412223/229217938_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1774980915)
![Ottochie Ashoona
(Inuit [Kinngait], 1942-1970)
Polar Bear](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/412223/229218064_1_x.jpg?height=130&quality=70&version=1774980915)
Record Auction Results for Freeman's
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