The United States Constitution–Signed Official Ratification Copy and Related Documents Press Release | September 28, 2024
The Printed Archetype of the United States Constitution
We the People of the United States…An exceedingly rare and important original printed, signed archetype of the Constitution of the United States was recently discovered in North Carolina, and Brunk Auctions is honored to have the privilege to offer this piece of American History for auction on September 28, 2024. This National treasure was tucked away for generations at Hayes Plantation in Edenton, North Carolina, an 1821 National Historic Landmark, and home to two of the state’s most prominent families for at least seven generations. It is one of the most important printed documents in history.
In 1787, the United States in Congress Assembled was tasked with the ratification of the new Constitution. It fell upon Charles Thomson-the Secretary of the Confederation Congress whose signature can be seen on this document- to see to ratification. To that end, he ordered the issuance of the printed archetype for sending to the legislatures of the original states for ratification. Only 100 archetype Constitutions were printed in New York, by McLean, between September 28th and 29th, 1787. Of those, only a fraction were signed by the Secretary of the Congress, Charles Thomson. Until now, only eight of those signed copies were known to have survived the ages. The Brunk document is the ninth. While the dramatically signed version of the constitution on display in the National Archives is the one ingrained in our collective conscience, it is this simple looking version that actually allowed for ratification. According to James Madison, the Constitution “was nothing more than a draft of a plan, nothing but a dead letter, until life and validity were breathed into it by the voice of the people, speaking through several State Conventions”. The voice of the people can now be heard again with a chance to purchase this rare document, the very cornerstone of our democracy.
The Printed Archetype of the United States Constitution
Other rare documents from the same cache on offer include an exceptionally rare first edition of the Articles of Confederation, published in 1776 and bearing the name of Joseph Hewes; a printing of the 1808 Price-Strother Map of North Carolina, one of only about a dozen known; Thomas Jefferson and John Adams related documents, North Carolina and Georgia ephemera, colonial currency, and early silver.
Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union Between the Colonies
1787 Foreign Affairs Letter and Treaty Draft
Important 18th century American furniture to be sold from the storied 50 year collection of Constance and Dudley Godfrey of Milwaukee features rarities including 3 Philadelphia easy chairs, one with carving attributed to the Garvan carver; an exceptional Philadelphia dressing table with carving attributed to Martin Jugiez; important Philadelphia and Boston side chairs, including one with a history of ownership by Geroge Washington; a carved piecrust Philadelphia tea table circa 1750, and important high chests from Philadelphia, Boston, and Salem. Furniture from other estates and collections rounds out this impressive offering. From a Revolutionary and patriotic focused New England collection are rare prints and documents, early brass and delft, as well as furniture and accessories. Portsmouth New Hampshire objects include a rare high chest, chairs and other furniture, as well as documents and mourning rings. Other important art and objects from this collection were sourced from Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and top folk art and furniture dealers.
Exceptional Connecticut Chippendale Carved Cherry Chest in Undisturbed Surface
Sanford Robinson Gifford
Important American paintings range from an early Sanford Gifford, a rare watercolor by George De Forest Brush, and three important landscapes from the collection of Barbara Novak; to impressionist works by Theodore Butler, Ernest Lawson, and others, and include two works by Andrew Wyeth including a rare male nude; Important Native American art features a Blackfoot War Shirt, a Santo Domingo Shield, Northwest Coast items, pictorial textiles, and much more.
World-Class Consignments and Exceptional Results