Rare, handsome partially printed and calligraphic DS on vellum, signed on the reverse “Isaac Newton,” one page, 20.25 x 13.25, November 10, 1719. Newton signs as witness to a land transaction wherein Thomas Sturges transfers a parcel of land in Colsterworth, Lincoln County to Robert Newton, “in Consideration of the sum of five shillings of lawfull British money.” The left margin bears a strip of three embossed paper revenue stamps; the bottom margin bears Sturges’ signature and red wax seal. Expected intersecting folds, overall toning to reverse, and clipped portion to blank left margin, otherwise fine, attractive condition. Newton’s signature is large, dark, and generally unaffected.
The “Robert Newton” in this transaction is most probably Isaac Newton’s first cousin, who was born in 1654. Although by this time Isaac Newton was living in London as the director of the Royal Mint, the extended Newton family still lived in the vicinity of Colsterworth, the location of the parcel in question. The nearby hamlet of Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth was Newton’s birthplace and childhood home. Newton takes a place among the most avidly sought names in the fields of science, mathematics, and philosophy; documents boasting such a high level of visual appeal and a direct family association represent one of the topmost levels of desirability and collector interest. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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