American statesman, writer, scientist, and printer. After the success of his Poor Richard's Almanack, Franklin entered politics and played a major part in the American Revolution, negotiating French support for the colonists, signing the Treaty of Paris, and helping to draft the Constitution. His numerous discoveries and inventions include the lightning rod, bifocal spectacles, and the stove that now bears his name. DS, written in another hand and signed “B. Franklin,” one page, 8.75 x 10, August 29, 1788. In part: “Benjamin Mason of the City of Philadelphia Merchant being one of the people called Quakers, upon his Solemn Affirmation declares and saith That Samuel Finlay of the Northern Liberties of the City of Philadelphia merchant, is Indebted to this Affirmant the Sum of Two hundred pounds and upwards and that the said Samuel Finlay is become Bankrupt within the meaning of the Acts of Assembly of this Commonwealth lately made and provided … concerning Bankrupts, as this Affirmant is informed and verily believes.” Cosigned “Ben. Mason.” A month earlier, on July 17, Franklin signed his last will and testament, in which he distributed his worldly goods to various family members, colleagues, and institutions; among those named was George Washington, who was to receive Franklin’s walking stick “with a gold head curiously wrought in the form of the cap of Liberty.” In a characteristic act of foresight, Franklin also bequeathed the sum of £1000 each to the cities of Philadelphia and Boston, to be placed in trust for 200 years; by 1990, the trusts had grown to two million and five million dollars, respectively. In very good condition, with mild toning from a previous framing and professional repairs and strengthening. A clipped 1.75 x 7.5 portion of the left margin has been professionally restored with complementary paper (not affecting any writing); the bottom quarter of the page, once separated, has been reaffixed; and the left edge has been trimmed, very slightly touching the first stroke of the signature and the paraph. Despite these flaws, all of the restoration was expertly done, and the document remains quite attractive and eminently displayable. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
