Striking rice paper reproduction of the Declaration of Independence, 24.5 x 30.5, printed by Peter Force in 1848 for inclusion in his series American Archives; and accompanied by a partly printed unsigned DS filled out in Hancock’s hand (and including his surname “Hancock”), one page, 9 x 4.5, April 30, 1767. A bill of lading which reads, in part: “Shipped by the Grace of God, in good Order and well Condition’d, by John Hancock in and upon the good Sloop called the Sally…and now riding anchor in the Harbour of Boston and by God’s Grace bound for Annapolis Royall to say Fifty One Baggs of Bread.” Print has been beautifully archivally cloth matted and framed to an overall size of 34 x 39.5. Print is in fine overall condition, with previous storage folds, well-done professional repairs to fold separations and tears on reverse, professional silking to reverse, and some light ink transfer to print. Document also rates fine, with some light creasing and toning.
Charged with heading the project, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams commissioned engraver William J. Stone of Washington to reproduce the Declaration by engraving a copperplate facsimile from the original utilizing a wet-ink transfer process. The Declaration was moistened and ink was lifted directly from it and transferred to a clean copperplate, which was then engraved, creating a perfect copy of the original document. Stone completed the task of engraving in 1823. However, during the ink transfer the original document was almost destroyed, making the Stone copperplate exceedingly rare as the only accurate replica of the original. Nevertheless, he printed 201 copies on the same type of parchment as the original. Approximately 30 of these are known to have survived, 19 of which are in museums. The Stone copperplate was then placed in storage. Twenty years later, in 1843, Peter Force was commissioned by Congress to print a series of books that became known as the American Archives. The purpose of the nine-volume set was to create the founding documents of the United States. For the occasion, the Stone engraving was taken from storage and used to produce copies on rice paper for Volume I of the Fifth Series of the Archives (the seventh volume out of the nine). The copies were distinguished from the original by an engraving in the lower left corner “W.J. Stone S.C. Washn.” Printed in 1848, each copy was folded into the First volume of the 5th Series of books. After printing the plate was again retired and is now displayed at the National Archives. RRAuction COA.
