Uncommon partly-printed DS, signed “B. Franklin Pres,” one page, 7.75 x 6.25, December 19, 1787. Ship’s port certification for the ship Two Sisters. Document reads, in part: “These are to certify that the Brig Two Sisters Augustus Bernard Morris Master from Ostend & North Carolina was entered at this office the fourteenth day of July One thousand Seven Hundred & Eighty three & was cleared out at this Office the Twelfth day of August following for Newfoundland & that said vessel was entered as the property of George McCotton of Ostend.” Signed by Franklin beneath the embossed nautical seal on the left side of document, and countersigned by another naval official. Double suede matted and framed with an engraved portrait of Franklin, to an overall size of 15.5 x 23. Intersecting folds, uniform toning with a few heavier spots, a few light creases, and a few small edge tears, otherwise fine condition.
Franklin signed this document in his capacity as president of Pennsylvania exactly one week after the commonwealth became the second state to ratify the Constitution. This document dates to a significant period in the founding of the United States, enriched by the fact that Franklin was not only a Founding Father and a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, but also a signer of the United States Constitution in September 1787. A unique and seldom-seen version of port certification from America’s infancy. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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