THE FIRST MINIATURE PRINTING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. Engraving on coated cardstock. Boston: L.H. Bridgham, 1836. 4 7/16 x 5 3/4 in. Copyright statement at lowest vignette. Bidwell 15; Hart 588.

A charming illustrated printing of the Declaration of Independence, recognized as the earliest miniature printing. The text is printed in full, followed by facsimile signatures after Tyler. A portrait of George Washington (Hart 388) and the state seal of the 13 original states, with an entwined vine and oak leaf vine, encircle the text. 

A significant printing that would be an important addition to any Americana or miniature collection. 

RARE. Biddle lists 4 copies held institutionally (Mass. Historical Society, American Antiquarian Society, New York Public Library, & The Library Company of Philadelphia). OCLC identifies a 5th copy held in the Albert H. Small Declaration of Independence Collection at the University of Virginia. 

References

John Bidwell. "American History in Image and Text." Proceedings of the American Antiquarian Society.  Vol. 98, Issue 1 (1 January 1988), p. 247-302. 

Charles Henry Hart. Catalogue of the Engraved Portraits of Washington. New York: The Grolier Club, 1904. 

[American Revolutionary War, American Revolution, Founding Fathers, Declaration of Independence, Colonial America, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe] [Art, Folk Art, Military Art, Etching, Engraving, Lithographs, Prints, Ephemera]

Minor toning at edges.