Manuscript vellum DS, signed “James K. Polk” as president and “By the President, James Buchanan, Secretary of State,” three pages, 31 x 28, July 15, 1845. Impressive letters patent transferring ownership of the Philadelphia Custom House building after it was publicly sold by the government, following the move of the custom office to the old US Bank building now owned by Independence National Historical Park. Rolled and in fine condition, with overall wrinkles and expected document wear.
In 1819, the first federal custom house in the city of Philadelphia was opened to handle the port’s business, assessing and collecting duties and taxes on imported goods, controlling carriers of imports and exports, and combating smuggling and revenue fraud. Quickly outgrowing the original building, the US Customs Service moved into the Bank of the United States building on Chestnut Street in 1845, where it would remain for nearly a century. The advertised public sale of the original Custom House building was held at the Merchants Exchange in Philadelphia on May 20, 1845, and the property “was sold to James Dundas, Doctor Benjamin Kugler, Henry Pratt McKean, Richard S. Smith, Andrew D. Cash and Daniel Smith, Junior, Trustees under the last will and testament of Henry Pratt late of the city of Philadelphia Merchant deceased, for the price or sum of Thirty two thousand three hundred dollars, they being the highest and best bidders.” The Secretary of the Treasury issued a certificate indicating that the $32,300 had been paid and President Polk and future President Buchanan signed this deed transferring ownership. An incredible piece of Philadelphia history, holding the signatures of two American presidents. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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