Auction 40, January 8th - The Opener
Thu, Jan 8, 2026 03:00PM EST
Lot 81
Framed 1759 Ship Document
Estimate: $150 - $300
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $5 |
| $50 | $10 |
| $150 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $4,000 | $500 |
| $15,000 | $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $2,500 |
| $100,000 | $5,000 |
Description: An engraved copy of a letter or petition from an 18th-century calligraphy instruction book, most likely The Universal Penman by George Bickham.
- Original Nature: The text is a sample of elaborate script, expertly engraved onto a copperplate for mass printing.
- Content: The text is formatted as a formal petition addressed "To the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty," outlining the naval service of a "George Troy". It mentions service on "her Majesty's Royal Navy" ships including the HMS Cambridge, and a date of November 12, 1739.
- Purpose: Works like The Universal Penman were widely used in the 18th century to teach elegant and practical handwriting styles. The examples often used formal language and realistic document types to provide practical instruction.
Dimensions: H:21in L:17in
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