AMERICANA, RARE: 1790-Dated, "Bickerstaff's Boston Almanack or Federal Calendar

Second after Leap-Year, and Fourteenth of Independency", Featuring the First and Only Jugate Image of George Washington & John Adams, Fine, with Ownership Inscription by a Revolutionary War Soldier, John Box Brosdan

Very Rare and All Original Primary Document, Almanac Format, featuring the first known George Washington & John Adams Jugate Image Very Few Copies Known To Exist. This exceptional survivor is an original printing of Bickerstaff's Boston Almanack, Or, Federal Calendar, for 1790, Second After Leap-Year; and Fourteenth of Independence, measuring 7" x 4.2" with 22 pages, with original paper wraps, thus the almanack retains an excellent structure and is complete. The Cover Woodcut Illustration shows George Washington as the First President and John Adams to his right, as Vice President. The Folky portraits measuring 1.5" tall are shown hanging from ribbons tied with bowknots beneath an arch festooned with drapery and surmounted with the American great seal... our Heraldic Eagle and shield. Printed below reads, "Printed by E. Russell, next Liberty-Pole: Where may be had cheap to Traveling-traders, etc., the Bloody Register No. 4."

Page two is a poem praising General Washington, "Composed in 1782, but never before published." As made, all its pages are stitched together with original thread. A very important, exceedingly rare piece of period, Political Americana.

Important: Wraps display owner's signature "John Box Bronsdan". Signature is also on page 1 of almanack John Box Bronsdan [almanack owner]: Birth 21 May 1751 Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, Under British Rule and Occupation. Death 22 Feb 1823 Milton, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States of America.

John Box Brosdan was 25 years old when the American Revolution got rolling. John served 14 days in Capt. John Bradlee's company under Colonel Lemuel Robinson's Militia, Milton. The 14 days were in the defense of Boston Harbor, and he later served a longer term which included the important Dorchester Heights Defense.

John Box Brosdan would take great pride in seeing Washington and Adams depicted as President and Vice-President for the 1790 term. One can only imagine the thoughts running through the mind of Brosdan, being 39 and well settled in the United States, knowing the outcome of his contributions.

A MUST HAVE for any Serious Washington or Federal Period Collector.

Date: Dated 1790

Measurement: 7" x 4.25"

Material: Period Paper including Wraps. Writing and Signatures in Ink

Condition: The paper wraps show wear, edge loss, and a tear about 3" long on the cover, but have done their job well by keeping the actual 22 page almanack with just a few excuses. The almanack cover has a small water mark, not affecting image, and a slight margin tear. Some of the pages are light and need very good light to be readable, but overall, this is a remarkable and rare copy. Of the very few copies known, this may be the best extant.

$2,350

SKU: 290-82

For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.

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