Facsimiles of the Declaration of Independence signatures
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Abstract
Embroidered silk facsimile of the signatures of all signers of the Declaration of Independence, created circa 1876.
Historical note
This item was created by the American Silk Label Manufacturing Company of New York. Commemorative versions of this item dating from 1925 and 1975 are housed in the Smithsonian and Metropolitan museums, each including phrases "Presented as a Souvenir of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the American Silk Label Manufacturing co." (1925 edition) and "This historical reproduction was first woven by us in 1876 for the centennial expedition at Philadelphia and was given an award for outstanding workmanship. the original was hung in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. We are proud to weave it again in commemoration of our 100th anniversary and on the coming of the Bicentennial of the United States of America" (1975 edition). This item appears to pre-date the later editions and does not include references to an earlier version, suggesting it was made closer to or right around the time of the Centennial Exposition.
Source:
- "Lot 594: Rare 19th C. Silk Ribbon Copy of The Declaration of Independence," Case Auctions. https://caseantiques.com/item/lot-594-silk-ribbon-copy-of-the-declaration-of-independence-american-silk-label-mfg-co-1876-ed/
Arrangement
This collection consists of a single item.
Scope and Contents
Embroidered silk facsimile of the signatures of all signers of the Declaration of Independence, created circa 1876. An inscription states that signatures were "taken from Irvings History of the U.S. which John Quincy Adams certified were exact imitations of the original." Included are the signatures of the four signers from New York State, including William Floyd and Francis Lewis of Long Island, Philip Livingston of Brooklyn, and Lewis Morris of Westchester. Also included is Charles Carroll, whose Maryland regiment defended Brooklyn during the Battle of Brooklyn in the Revolutionary War, and for whom the Brooklyn neighborhood of Carroll Gardens is named.
Subjects
Conditions Governing Access
Open to researchers without restriction.
Conditions Governing Use
This item is in the public domain. While many items at the Center for Brooklyn History are unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Be aware of the several kinds of rights that might apply: copyright, licensing and trademarks. The researcher assumes all responsibility for copyright questions.
Preferred Citation
Facsimiles of the Declaration of Independence signatures, circa 1876, 1978.094, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of William and Mrs. Ulmer, 1896.
About this Guide
Processing Information
This collection was rehoused and the finding aid revised by Dee Bowers in 2023.
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This finding aid does not include an online listing of contents.
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