American patriot and metalsmith (1735-1818) whose 1775 “Midnight Ride” to warn of an impending British invasion later became one of the most celebrated incidents of the Revolutionary War. Ink docket on the reverse of a letter to Paul Revere & Son in Boston, one page, 6.25 x 7.5, May 23, 1807. The letter, signed William Ashton, reads in part: “Please to deliver to Mr. Enos Blake or order, one hundred & twenty pounds copper Nails of the kind which I bought of you the 16th inst. which were about 1 1/4 inches in length & charge them to my father Mr. Jacob Ashton….” The letter has also been signed by Blake. Revere’s docket reads: “Letter—Jacob Ashton & son, Salem—ordering 120 Composition Sheath Nails—May 23, 1807.” Prior to his legendary ride to warn of an impending British invasion, Revere was known primarily as one of the most skilled and prominent silversmiths in the young nation. Following the war, he opened an iron and brass foundry that prospered and grew into the still-extant Revere Copper Products, Inc. Mild toning and wrinkling (a few light stains away from Revere’s writing), otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
