1819 John Binns Declaration of Independence Engraving. Early Pull

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1819 John Binns Declaration of Independence Engraving. Early Pull:
$17500.00

1819 John Binns Declaration of Independence Engraving | Early Pull | Printed by James PorterDescription

Offered here is an exceptionally desirable early engraved facsimile of the Binns Declaration of Independence, one of the most celebrated and visually dramatic nineteenth-century presentations of the Declaration ever produced.

Published in Philadelphia in 1819 by John Binns and printed by James Porter, this monumental engraving was created during the post–War of 1812 wave of American nationalism and is regarded as the most ornate and artistic of the early Declaration facsimiles.

This example is an original 1819 issue or an exceptionally early pull from the original plate, not a later Centennial lithographic reproduction.

The engraving features:

Central facsimile text of the Declaration
Facsimile signatures of the signers
Portrait medallions of:
- George Washington
- Thomas Jefferson
- John Hancock
Oval arrangement of the seals of the original thirteen states

The lower imprint line includes the important:

“Printed by James Porter”

which is associated with authentic early impressions.

Historical Importance

The Binns Declaration was begun in 1816 and completed in 1819 after years of expensive engraving work involving several prominent American artists and engravers, including:

George Murray
James Barton Longacre
Thomas Sully

Binns reportedly spent nearly $9,000 producing the engraving — an enormous sum at the time.

The National Archives describes it as one of the three major early engraved Declaration facsimiles, alongside the Tyler and Stone versions.

Estimated surviving originals number only around 100 examples.

Approximate Size

Approximately:

25 7/8 x 36 1/8 inches overall (visible sheet appears close to original format)

Original Library of Congress catalog dimensions:

91.8 x 68 cm.

Condition

Please examine all photographs carefully.

Condition is consistent with a genuine early nineteenth-century engraved broadside:

age toning throughout
edge wear and losses
staining and foxing
lower right area loss
surface wear
handling creases
waviness from age and storage

Despite condition issues, the engraving retains excellent visual presence and displays beautifully.

This is an increasingly scarce American historical display piece seldom encountered on the market in any state of preservation.

Shipping

Will be shipped flat with extreme care and full insurance.

Local pickup may also be arranged.