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Rare and historically important contemporary broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence, likely [Exeter, N.H., Robert Luist Fowle, July, 1776]. Estimate $300,000-500,000. Image courtesy of Skinner Inc.

Skinner to sell rare Declaration of Independence broadside Nov. 14

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Rare and historically important contemporary broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence, likely [Exeter, N.H., Robert Luist Fowle, July, 1776]. Estimate $300,000-500,000. Image courtesy of Skinner Inc.
Rare and historically important contemporary broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence, likely [Exeter, N.H., Robert Luist Fowle, July, 1776]. Estimate $300,000-500,000. Image courtesy of Skinner Inc.

BOSTON – Skinner Inc. will host its annual auction of Fine Books and Manuscripts on Sunday, Nov. 14, at its Boston gallery. LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding for the sale, which boasts 685 lots of correspondences, first edition books, maps, Audubon prints and more.

Skinner is thrilled to offer a rare and historically important contemporary broadside printings of the Declaration of Independence. Likely printed in Exeter, N.H., by the printer John Luist Fowle, this broadside is one of only six known copies of its type in existence. The document, descended from a New Hampshire family, whose relative, a judge, likely received it in his official capacity, is estimated at $300,000 to $500,000.

“The last Declaration of Independence broadside Skinner sold was in 2008 for $625,000,” said Sara Wishart, director pro tem at Skinner. “The broadside being offered on Nov. 14th has descended through one family, and is an amazing historical survival. The rarity of this broadside is astounding, and we’re anticipating great interest from a number of bidders.”

A complementary work also up for bid is an original broadside printed by the Second Continental Congress declaring the necessity to take up arms against the British government. The document acts as a warning to the English Crown, and encapsulates the frustrations that were building in the Colonies. This prescient document was printed in New York on July 6, 1775, nearly a year prior to the Declaration of Independence. This historic broadside is estimated at $40,000 to $60,000 and comes from a private New York collector.

Also of note is an important group of first edition works by Edward S. Curtis, from his series The North American Indian. Being a Series of Volumes Picturing and Describing The Indians of the United States, The Dominion of Canada, and Alaska. The stirring and hauntingly beautiful photographic images within this series have become truly iconic. Curtis’ important work chronicled the myths, languages and cultural nuances of various tribes, and is an important historic record. Sold to benefit a New York state library, the group is composed of eight lots of folio and quarto volumes, with estimates totaling $160,000 to $250,000. This is one of the largest offerings of Curtis’ work ever brought to auction.

Other works to be highlighted include important world and North American maps dating to the late 1500s, a rare first edition of Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial novel Lolita, fine decorative bindings, and works by John James Audubon.

Previews for the auction will be held by appointment only on Thursday, Nov. 11, from noon to 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 12, from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 13, from noon to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 14, from 9 to 11 a.m. The sale will begin at 11 a.m. Eastern.

Skinner’s Boston gallery is located at 63 Park Plaza.

A printed catalog will be available at the gallery for $32.

Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. For details visit the website or call 508-970-3000.

View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

 

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

‘Declaration for Taking up Arms, Second Continental Congress,’ rare and important broadside, July 6, 1775, two pages, New York. Estimate $40,000-60,000. Image courtesy of Skinner Inc.
‘Declaration for Taking up Arms, Second Continental Congress,’ rare and important broadside, July 6, 1775, two pages, New York. Estimate $40,000-60,000. Image courtesy of Skinner Inc.
Curtis, Edward S. (1868-1952), ‘The North American Indian. Being a Series of Volumes Picturing and Describing The Indians of the United States, The Dominion of Canada, and Alaska,’ Norwood, Mass., Plimpton Press, 1930, first edition. These two volumes chronicle the Wichita, Southern Cheyenne, Oto and the Comanche. Estimate $20,000-30,000. Image courtesy of Skinner Inc.
Curtis, Edward S. (1868-1952), ‘The North American Indian. Being a Series of Volumes Picturing and Describing The Indians of the United States, The Dominion of Canada, and Alaska,’ Norwood, Mass., Plimpton Press, 1930, first edition. These two volumes chronicle the Wichita, Southern Cheyenne, Oto and the Comanche. Estimate $20,000-30,000. Image courtesy of Skinner Inc.
Audubon, John James (1785-1851), American White Pelican, plate CCCXI from ‘Birds of America,’ engraved, printed, and hand-colored by Robert Havell, circa 1836. Estimate $50,000-75,000. Image courtesy of Skinner Inc.
Audubon, John James (1785-1851), American White Pelican, plate CCCXI from ‘Birds of America,’ engraved, printed, and hand-colored by Robert Havell, circa 1836. Estimate $50,000-75,000. Image courtesy of Skinner Inc.
Maps and Charts, United States, ‘The American Atlas,’ New York, John Reid, 1796. Estimate $6,000-8,000. Image courtesy of Skinner Inc.
Maps and Charts, United States, ‘The American Atlas,’ New York, John Reid, 1796. Estimate $6,000-8,000. Image courtesy of Skinner Inc.