The father of our country left behind a copy of the Constitution with a few birthmarks.
George Washington’s signed, personal copy of the Acts of Congress — holding both the Constitution and a draft of the Bill of Rights — goes on the auction block this month with an estimated value of $3 million.
The specially printed and bound book, in addition to its obvious historical significance, contains handwritten brackets and notes from Washington highlighting the duties of the presidency.
Although printed in 1789, the hard cover book remains in “near-pristine condition,” according to Christie’s auction house. The Manhattan sale is set for June 22.
The book’s cover includes the words “President of the United States” embossed in gold, and the title page features the presidential signature in perfect penmanship: “G Washington.”
In a press release, Christie’s noted that “this elegant, slim volume epitomizes Washington’s multiple, indispensable roles in the creation of the nation.”
The book was one of three created by New York bookbinder Thomas Allen, who presented the other two to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson and Attorney General John Jay.
Jefferson’s book is kept at the Lilly Library in Indiana, while Jay’s copy is in a private collection.
Washington’s version was kept in his Mount Vernon library for decades after his 1799 death, but sold at auction in 1876.
Noted Americana collector Richard Dietrich purchased the book in 1964, and his estate is once again putting it up for sale. Dietrich died five years ago.
The record price for a Washington document is $3,218,500, set in December 2009 for a signed letter from the first president to his nephew Bushrod Washington.
(Source: NY Daily News)