Updated November 9, 2025: These have all been sold.
Created for our nation's Bicentennial in 1976, this presentation piece comes enclosed in a padded blue display case with an image of Independence Hall on the cover and facsimile signatures of the signers of the Declaration on the inside.
Below the wood chip, which is in a plastic case, is gold plate that reads:
“AUTHENTIC WOOD CHIP – FROM ORIGINAL BEAM – INDEPENDENCE HALL, PHILADELPHIA.”
Each wood chip is numbered. (The top of the small plastic case can be removed if you wish to take the chip out or if it moved out of position during shipment.)
The set includes a small certificate attesting to the authenticity and a brochure from Burnes of Boston explaining the historical significance of Independence Hall and how they got the wood for these. (See below for photos and for the text from the brochure with the explanation in bold.)
I'm not sure how many of these were created. I started looking for these more than a year ago and, over time, found the ones we're offering tonight:
- 8417 — No outer box.
- 4397
- 9055 — As shown in the photo, the outer box has some larger nicks to it. This is cosmetic and doesn't affect what's inside.
- 2112
- 7682
- 19266
These were produced by Burnes of Boston, which was started in 1917 by Charles D. Burnes. The company is no longer in business, though the name continues for a line of picture frames.
Size—closed: 5" x 6"
The text from the brochure
See the historical notes below for corrections.
"Proclaim Liberty Throughout All The Land . . . Unto All The Inhabitants Thereof"
Independence Hall, a sacred and inspirational symbol of the American spirit, stands in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a timeless tribute to our nation's heritage of freedom.
Constructed during the years 1732 to 1741, it was the site of many of America's most momentous events, and is today one of its greatest treasures.
It was in Independence Hall on July 4, 1776, that our country's most significant document, the Declaration of Independence, was adopted and signed by fifty-six prominent patriots. Four days later the Liberty Bell pealed out from the bell tower to proclaim the birth of a new nation.
After the Revolutionary War the Continental Congress convened once again in Independence Hall to draft the Constitution of the United States.
The original structure remained intact until 1897 when renovation became necessary. At that time some of the original oak and cedar beams required replacement, but those removed were stored for preservation by several private collectors.
On two separate occasions, pieces of the stored beams were carved into gavels and presented as gifts to President Charles de Gaulle of France and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1966 four pieces of the beams were presented to the National Park Service for inclusion in its architectural reference collection.
As we look to the past for inspiration in this Bicentennial Year, Burnes of Boston is offering a limited edition of chips cut from the original cedar beams of Independence Hall. These wood chips, each numbered, are presented in a handsome collector's case, on which are reproduced facsimile signatures of some of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Each purchaser also is provided with a certificate verifying the authenticity of this precious heirloom which evokes memories of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other great events in the nation's history.
Historical notes and corrections
Their heart was in the right place, but for those who are familiar with the history, you've already spotted these corrections:
- The Declaration of Independence was not signed on July 4, 1776. That is the date on which it was adopted by the Continental Congress. The majority of delegates signed an official, engrossed copy of the document on August 2, 1776, and others signed it on later dates, with the last signature added in January 1777.
- No bells were rung on July 4, 1776, at least not because for the adoption of the Declaration. However, bells were rung at the first public reading on July 8. As to whether or not the Liberty Bell was rung then, John C. Paige, who conducted a historical study of the Liberty Bell for the National Park Service, wrote, "We do not know whether or not the steeple was still strong enough to permit the State House bell to ring on this day. If it could possibly be rung, we can assume it was. Whether or not it did, it has come to symbolize all of the bells throughout the United States which proclaimed Independence."
None of this diminishes our appreciation for what was done in saving the beams and for later creating this attractive and historic presentation for our nation's bicentennial 50 years ago.