This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/23/2023
Extraordinary Document in Which President Washington Appoints Fellow Founding Father William Ellery as Collector of New Port (Newport) - Offered to the market directly from the estate of Ellery's direct descendant!
An unbelievably rare appoint for Declaration of Independence signer William Ellery.
One of the finest George Washington signed documents we've ever had the pleasure to handle, offered here is an appointment, dated June 14, 1790, in which President Washington appoints fellow Founding Father and Declaration of Independence Signer William Ellery to the position of Customers Collector for the "New Port" (Newport) of Rhode Island. The appointment is beautifully signed at the conclusion, "G: Washington," in a flowing and bold black ink by President Washington.
Having taken office as President a little over a year prior, this appointment stands as one of the earliest presidential appointments to appear in the market and showcases an ultra rare "George Washington" bold type press heading.
In our research, this is one of just a handful of early presidential appointments of this early design to ever surface.
The document measures 11.25" x 8" in.
It has been well preserved and is archivally affixed to a supporting board of near equal size. While some aging and toning is present, this document stands in excellent condition given it's 233 years of existence!
Amazingly, this document was held within the Ellery family line for the entirety of its existence and has been brought to market by the family of the late William Ellery Loring. Accompanying the document will be a Letter of Provenance from the Estate of Joan Loring, the late widow of William Ellery Loring, attesting to the lineage of the piece. The lot will also include William Ellery Loring's Certificate of Recognition from the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, recognizing Loring as a direct descendant of William Ellery. Furthermore, a full Letter of Authenticity accompanies the appointment to confirm the authenticity of President Washington's coveted scripting.
William Ellery lived his entire life in Newport, Rhode Island. The Harvard College graduate was a merchant, lawyer, and state assembly clerk before serving as a Rhode Island delegate in the Continental Congress intermittently between 1776-1786. One of only two Rhode Island signers, Ellery's signature on the Declaration of Independence is second largest after Boston merchant John Hancock's. Between 1790-1820, Ellery served as Newport's Customs Collector and Lighthouse Superintendent. Ellery, who was vocal on the importance of a strong port and trade system for the burgeoning country, would hold this position for the entirety of the rest of his life, which amazingly spanned nearly 30 years and 5 presidential administrations until Ellery's passing at age 92 in 1820.
While George Washington signed documents are scarce and desirable in any form, the fact that this piece serves as an appointment to a fellow Founding Father during the infancy of Washington's presidential administration (and the Country itself, for that matter) makes it one of the most impressive Washington presidential pieces we've ever seen. Historical collectors--take notice!
Also comes with a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.