Partly-printed DS as president, two pages, 11 x 14.5, August 20, 1833. Presidential patent issued to Samuel Booth for “a new and useful improvement in constructing the Water Cistern.” Signed at the conclusion by Jackson, and countersigned by Secretary of State Louis McLane and Attorney General Roger Taney. Second page bears a lengthy detailed description of the improvement reading, in small part: “I Samuel Booth…have invented a new & useful improvement in constructing the water cistern…a hole, or pit, being dug in the earth of a sufficient size…the bottom of the pit being level…lay therein centrally…a false head of loose pieces of board, or planks, previously so cut as when laid together, they may form a circle of the diameter required.” Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered toning, creasing, and wrinkling, and a few small edge chips and tears, otherwise very good condition. The white wafer seal is worn but mostly intact, and the original yellow ribbon holding the pages together is present, but faded.
Cisterns were not new technology in 1833, but Booth's patent improved the construction of cisterns, using molds to outline where cement would be poured instead of framing cisterns with wood. By not using wood or other perishable material, Booth hoped to improve the longevity and quality of cisterns. Two years after signing this document, Attorney General Taney was named chief justice of the US Supreme Court. Two historical signatures! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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