Late 18th Century Historical Memorabilia

Gustavian Plaque of the Swedish King Gustaf III, from late 18th century. Made in brass and with a mahogany ( Swietenia Mahogoni) frame. Depicts one of the f...

Rare unique piece ! Multiple English seal for sealing wax: in bronze, antique, perfect, with the sculpted image of its owner on hard stone. It's ancient, b...

Rare & decorative! This original Japanese Samurai helmet from the Edo Period 1600-1868 circa 18th century. This Nanban helmet(?) Zunari Kabut...

A Pennsylvania etched powder horn, late 18th to early 19th century. Showing a view of Philadelphia and of Allentown with map to various towns wrapping around the horn. End probably r...

Antique print titled 'Vue de la descente des Francois a l'Isle de Terre Neuve'. Optical print of the French attack on Newfoundland near St. John's. A...

(United States Congress). The Laws of the United States of America, in Three Volumes Published by Authority. Philadelphia: Richard Folwell, 1796-[7], 1799. Small octavos, rebound in ...

A George III silver bosun’s pipe and chain on H.M.S. Victory oak, 1796. The pipe or whistle is modelled as a tiller and a rum barrel chased with two hearts pierced by crossed arrows....

One of four framed Monkey Plates we are offering from the Buffon Comte de Quadrúpedes series by Georges-Louis Leclerc, France, circa 1770. A copper pla...

One of four framed Monkey Plates we are offering from the Buffon Comte de Quadrúpedes series by Georges-Louis Leclerc, France – circa 1770. A copper pl...

A young girl's hand-done sampler, of silk thread on linen ground. It is decorated in floral, meandering borders surrounding an open background, with various floating bird and animal ...

Presented is a Revolutionary War discharge document for Corporal Benjamin Dix, signed by General George Washington, and dated June 10, 1783. Corporal Dix served in the 3rd Connecticut Regiment for "six years" and fought in the New York campaign. Dix was discharged from the Continental Army at the close of the war, after receiving the Badge of Military Merit, the predecessor of the Purple Heart, from General Washington. Recognition for a job well done and six years of dedicated service, this boldly signed official discharge document is a remarkable piece of early American history. The main fighting in the Revolutionary War came to an end when British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered at the Siege of Yorktown in October 1781. However, Washington retained control of the Continental Army until an official peace between Britain and the United States was established. On April 18, 1783, Washington issued General Orders to the officers and troops of the Continental Army, announcing the "Cessation of Hostilities between the United States of America and the King of Great Britain." In these written orders, he congratulates the Army, noting that those who have performed the "meanest office" have participated in a great drama "on the stage of human affairs." He continues, "[n]othing now remains but for the actors of this mighty Scene to preserve a perfect, unvarying, consistency of character through the very last act, to close the Drama with applause, and to retire from the Military Theatre with the same approbation of Angels and men which have crowned all their former virtuous Actions." This one page, oblong discharge document is partially printed and partially inscribed in black ink. The discharge was issued from “Head Quarters'' at Hasbrouck House in Newburgh, New York, and features a large “Go. Washington” signature in the middle of the page, right of center. The document is countersigned by Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. as secretary and Joseph Clark. Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. served for the duration of the war as aide-de-camp to General George Washington. The bottom of the document also notes that Dix was presented the Badge of Merit for six years of faithful service and is so signed by Sam D. Nebblot. The document reads, in full: By His Excellency George Washington, Esq; General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America, These are to Certify that the Bearer hereof Benjamin Dix a Corporal in the 3rd Connecticut- Regiment, having faithfully served the United States from May 1777 to the date hereof and being enlisted for the War only, is hereby Discharged from the American Army. Given at Head-Quarters, the tenth day of June, 1783. Go. Washington By His Excellency’s Command J. Trumbull, Jr. Registered in the Books of the Regiment, Joseph Clark Adjutant, The above Corpl. Benjamin Dix has been honored with Badge of Merit for Six Years faithful Service. Sam D. Nebblot Benjamin Dix was born on March 26, 1757, in Wethersfield, Connecticut. Dix served in the 3rd Connecticut division. During his period of service, Corp. Dix and the 3rd Connecticut Regiment took part in the New York and New Jersey campaigns. Following his war service, the Dix family moved to Montpelier, Vermont. Dix passed away on June 19, 1827, in Montpelier, Vt. The rare signed discharge document is paired with a full-length portrait of George Washington, engraved by Oliver Pelton, circa 1850, after the famous painting by Gilbert Stuart...

Washington, George. Official letters to the Honourable American Congress, written during the War between the United Colonies and Great Britain, by His Excellency George Washington, C...