BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790). Signer of the Declaration of Independence, prolific Author, Printer, Political Theorist, Statesman, Scientist and a Founding Father of the United States, Continental Congress Member and Ambassador, a true Icon of American History.


July 13th, 1787-Dated, historic Partially-Printed Vellum Land Sale Deed from The Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Signed, “B Franklin” by Benjamin Franklin in his capacity as the Council's President, Choice Very Fine+. This impressive original document measures 15.5" x 12.8", with the purchaser's name, Joseph McGuffin, and the land's location information completed in manuscript, boldly handwritten. It is one of the finest examples, with the strongest Benjamin Franklin signature we have offered, being one of a pair presented to McGuffin on the same day, which is also being offered. A large paper and wax Pennsylvania State Seal is Embossed Stamped at center located on the front upper left corner, with a matching Embossed Great Seal of Pennsylvania on the back side, both adhered back-to-back at the document's top left corner.

This document is in truly superior high quality. It appears very clean and well printed in black typeset, having superb deep brown ink portions beautifully executed in manuscript. The vellum lays flat, bears two light vertical folds up its front and one across the middle, with just minor tone along the folds lengths and the bottom edge. The vellum is even in minimal slight tone with a very clean even appearance. Not framed, yet a perfect candidate for framing and display.

This deed cedes "A CERTAIN Tract of land, called 'Down Patrick' situate on the North West Side of the Ohio River in the Count of Westmoreland" containing 201 acres to a Mr. Joseph McGuffin who purchased it for "the Sum of Five pounds and Six pence" at public auction. It goes into detail regarding the property's boundaries, states that the land was surveyed by Daniel Seet, the Deputy Surveyor of Pennsylvania's District No. 2, lists the conditions of its sale and stipulates that the land is "free and clear of all Restrictions and Reservations as to Mines, Royalties, Quitrents, or otherwise, excepting and reserving only the fifth part of all Gold and Silver Ore, for the Use of this Commonwealth, to be delivered at the Pit's Mouth, clear of all charges."

Benjamin Franklin's large bold signature “B Franklin” measures 2.75 inches long with his large fancy flourish below, which resides in the deed's blank left hand margin below the Pennsylvania State Seal. One point of the seal’s paper star is over the “B” which can be moved out of the way to display his full “B Franklin” signature. Rated on a scale of 10, this signature ranks “10 out of 10”. A note at the bottom reads;

"IN WITNESS whereof His Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Esquire --- President of the Supreme Executive Council, hath hereunto set his Hand, and caused the State Seal to be hereunto affixed, in Council, the thirteenth day of July, in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Commonwealth the Twelfth." It is additionally attested by "James B. Smith for John Armstrong" at the very bottom. Note: Armstrong was an Adjutant General in the Pennsylvania militia during this period, and had previously served as an officer during the French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars. The deed's reverse is inscribed with a note from the Pennsylvania Inrollment Office (sic) and has other documentation. Another important opportunity to acquire one of the finest superior quality Benjamin Franklin signed examples available.
This deed's reverse is inscribed with a note from the Pennsylvania Inrollment Office (sic), reading in full; "Inrolled in the Rolls Office, for the State of Pennsylvania, in Patent Book No. 9, Page 139 -- Witness my hand and seal of Office, the 30th July A.D. 1787 -- Math. Irvin, H.A." The aforementioned seal of office is present below the note, and resembles the Pennsylvania State Seal with "Inrollment Office Of Pennsylvania" stamped around its edge. The reverse is also addressed "Patent -- Joseph McGuffin -- No. 171, 201 Acres -- Westmoreland County".

Finally, the far left corner bears a later stamp from the Beaver County Recorder's Office, reading in full; "Recorderd in Recorder's Office of said County, in Deed Book 254 page 213, this 19th of May A.D. 1916 -- Witness my hand and my official seal, George W. Lowery, Recorder".

The Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was the collective directorial executive branch of the Pennsylvanian state government between 1777 and 1790. It was headed by a president and a vice president (analogous to a governor and lieutenant governor, respectively). Benjamin Franklin served as the council's sixth president from 1785-1788.

Depreciation Certificates: During the Revolutionary War, the soldiers of the Continental Army were paid by the Continental Congress with paper money known as Continental Currency. At first, it was backed by gold, but as the war continued more and more paper money was printed with no gold to back it, and this caused the money to depreciate in value. By the end of the war, Continental Currency was virtually worthless, which inspired the expression "Not worth a Continental." The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania helped their poorly paid soldiers by issuing Certificates of Depreciation that could be used for the purchase of land. An Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature passed March 12, 1783, provided for the purchase of the lands still owned by the "Indians" in western Pennsylvania and their sale or donation to veterans. This deed records the transaction of one such sale.