Sotheby’s has announced the upcoming live auction of an extraordinarily rare July 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence, known as the Essex Broadside. This historic document, attributed to Robert Luist Fowle of Exeter, New Hampshire, is one of only thirteen contemporary broadsides issued in 1776.
Remarkably, just ten examples of this Essex Broadside are known to exist today, with most held in esteemed institutional collections. This auction is scheduled for 24 January and is anticipated to fetch between $2 million and $4 million.
The Essex Broadside represents a unique opportunity for collectors and historians alike, offering a tangible connection to the birth of American independence. As one of the most valuable founding documents ever offered at auction, it underscores the growing appreciation among collectors for artifacts of profound historical significance.
Sotheby’s sale will undoubtedly solidify this document’s place among the rarest and most sought-after pieces of American history.
This historic piece is set to be auctioned alongside Sotheby’s “Visions of America,” a week-long celebration of American craftsmanship and artistry. Presented in collaboration with Cadillac, this event features over 500 exceptional items spanning the 17th century to the present day.
The series of auctions, exhibitions, and immersive experiences offers collectors,both new and established,an unparalleled opportunity to explore a diverse array of American works. This year’s event is curated by acclaimed designer Ken Fulk, whose selection of 18 remarkable pieces reflects the rich cultural legacy of the United States.
The Declaration of Independence: A Founding Document
The Declaration of Independence, completed on the evening of 4 July 1776 following three days of fervent debate by the Continental Congress, marked a pivotal moment in American history. The manuscript was promptly delivered to John Dunlap, the Congress’s official printer, who worked overnight to produce the first printed copies. These broadsides were then distributed across the thirteen colonies to announce the colonies’ decision to sever ties with Great Britain.
Dunlap’s broadside became the template for other local printers, who were tasked with replicating and disseminating the news to meet widespread demand. The document’s rapid circulation was essential in uniting the colonies and galvanising support for independence.
Today, the significance of these broadsides cannot be overstated; they serve as enduring symbols of the revolutionary spirit and the fight for self-governance.
Out of the thirteen known broadside editions produced in 1776, only around one hundred copies are believed to have survived. The Dunlap first printing accounts for more than a quarter of these extant copies. Notably, most surviving examples,at least seventy-nine,are housed in public institutions, underscoring their historical and cultural importance.
The Unique Essex Broadside
Among the thirteen broadsides printed during the revolutionary period, the Essex Broadside holds a special place in American history. This edition, attributed to Robert Luist Fowle of New Hampshire, is distinguished by its two-column format, which mimics the layout of biblical texts. While it retains the headline format of the Dunlap broadside, it incorporates italic type, setting it apart from other versions.
Fowle’s haste in printing the Essex Broadside is evident in the initial errors found in the document. Notably, the names of John Hancock, the president of Congress, and Charles Thomson, its secretary, were misspelled.
While Fowle quickly corrected Hancock’s name, the error in Thomson’s name persisted, with an extraneous “p” remaining in his surname on this copy. Such quirks highlight the urgency and significance of disseminating the news of independence during a tumultuous period.
This specific printing has been part of two legendary Americana collections: the Streeter Collection and the Sang Collection. The Streeter Collection, assembled by Thomas W. Streeter, is widely regarded as one of the most important private collections of Americana ever created.
It focused on early American history, exploration, and settlement, including rare editions that document the growth of the United States. The Essex Broadside was sold as part of this collection at Sotheby’s in 1967.
The Sang Collection, curated by Chicago collectors Philip and Elsie Sang, also featured this historic piece. Known for their passion for American history, particularly the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence, the Sangs acquired significant documents that shed light on the United States’ founding.
The Essex Broadside was sold from their collection at Sotheby’s in 1978, further cementing its legacy among the most treasured pieces of Americana.
A Testament to America’s Founding Principles
The Essex Broadside stands as a testament to the enduring impact of the Declaration of Independence. Its rarity and historical significance make it an unparalleled artefact of the revolutionary era. As it goes under the hammer, this document serves as a reminder of the ideals and sacrifices that laid the foundation for the United States.
Collectors, historians, and institutions alike will undoubtedly view this auction as a rare opportunity to own a piece of American history. Sotheby’s continues to uphold its reputation as a premier auction house by bringing such extraordinary items to market.
The Essex Broadside’s sale is poised to be a landmark moment in the world of historical document collection, reaffirming the importance of preserving and celebrating the legacy of the nation’s founding.
