Rare ADS as president, signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 7.5 x 4.25, February 22, 1803. Pay order filled out in the hand of President Jefferson and issued to his financial agent, John Barnes, in full: “Mr. Barnes, Pay to Capt. George Andrews or order eighty seven dollars ninety six cents for value received on account of, your very humble serv’t.” Below Jefferson adds the amount, “87.96,” and the recipient's name, “Mr. John Barnes.” Affixed by its top edge inside a presentation folder, 10.75 x 13.75, the adjacent inner side of which bears an engraved portrait of Jefferson with a facsimile signature. In very good to fine condition, with light creasing and slightly irregular toning. Accompanied by a custom leather-bound presentation slipcase.
Scottish immigrant George Andrews (ca. 1765–1816) was one of the earliest U.S. manufacturers of composition ornament. His widely disseminated molded product, which substituted for wood carving in bas relief, helped spread Robert Adam’s neoclassical style in America. Thomas Jefferson strongly encouraged Andrews to establish a composition manufactory in Washington, where the latter could provide decorations for the many public and private buildings under construction in the District of Columbia during the early nineteenth century. Andrews made ornaments for the White House in 1800 and for Monticello in 1804, examples of which can be found on Monticello’s first floor above fireplaces, doors, windows, and embellishing the entablatures.
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