On the Move | Heritage Auctions: Historical Platinum Auction Preview

On the Move

Heritage Auctions cordially invites Caxton Club members to an exclusive preview of nearly one hundred incredibly rare and important documents from America’s history.

Attendees will view the extremely rare first broadside edition of the Declaration of Independence – the very fine Philip D. Sang copy – with a starting bid of $1,000,000. In colonial times, broadsides quickly disseminated information to the general public. This example likely gave Massachusetts colonists their first chance to see the text of the Declaration of Independence and learn what transpired in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. The broadside was printed in Salem, Massachusetts by John Rogers at the printing office of Ezekiel Russell July 14–16, 1776.

Only six copies of this broadside edition are recorded: two in private collections (including the present copy) and four in institutions.

Other Highlights include

• Letter signed by George Washington written as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army to Founding Father George Mason, October 22, 1780.
• Document signed by President Abraham Lincoln authorizing the blockade of the ports of seven southern states, which recognized the secessionists as belligerents and formally plunged the Union and Confederacy into Civil War, April 19, 1861.
• Printed reward poster Abraham Lincoln Assassination is perhaps the most infamous reward poster in American history. War Department: Washington, April 20, 1865. First printing, first issue.
• Archive of handwritten hotel room registration receipts and room keys – including Martin Luther King Jr.’s signed name and address as well as other civil rights leaders, advocates, and their opponents; Hotel Albert, Selma, Alabama, November 1964 – June 1966.

Register today.

Parking

Guests typically find metered street parking on the block surrounding Heritage Auctions. Validated parking also is available at Mart Parc Wells, 401 N. Wells St. A large green Mart Parc sign highlights the entrance just south of Hubbard St. on Wells. This is less than a block from the Heritage Auctions entrance. Cost is $14 for nine hours.