The History List
"Declaration of Independence" Calligraphy of George Washington with the seals of 16 states — Archival print — Available framed or unframed
"Declaration of Independence" Calligraphy of George Washington with the seals of 16 states — Archival print — Available framed or unframed
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Stunning reproduction of the engraving featuring the "Declaration of Independence" Calligraphy forming the image of George Washington. With the seal of the 16 states surrounding his portrait.
Made in America and available in a solid wood, Made in America frame.
Here's how this came about: A few months ago a friend in New York City told me about a unique print available at auction. After acquiring it, I entrusted it to a conservator with decades of experience in paper conservation. To my surprise, when I searched for more information on the print, I couldn't find any scans of it online at the Library of Congress or at other major digital collections.
What’s unusual about the print? Its from that period when all sorts of calligraphic images were created, but none I’ve seen like this in which the text of Declaration of Independence is written out with thick and thin lines making the portrait of George Washington, who is surrounded by the seals of 16 states.
Created by W.H. Pratte of Davenport, Iowa, and printed by Augustus Hagelboeck, also of Davenport, Iowa in the mid-1800s.
William Henry Pratt (1822-1893), was a professor of penmanship in Davenport, Iowa, and the first curator of that city’s Academy of Natural Sciences.
Printed in ink on the upper edge on the ribbon in the eagle's mouth: "E / Pluribus / Unum."
Above the main text and image of Washington: "Declaration of Independence."
The name of each state is below the seal to which it corresponds.
Printed in ink on the ribbon at lower left: "Designed and written / by W. H. Pratt / Davenport, Iowa."
Printed in ink on the ribbon at lower right: "Lith. and print. / by A. Hageboeck Davenport, Iowa."
More on the artist and lithographer
"Hageboeck, probably a German immigrant, operated a lithographic shop with his brother in Davenport, Iowa, where they specialized in panoramic views of Midwest cities. W. H. Pratt was born in Massachusetts in 1822, but in 1857, moved with his family to Davenport, Iowa. He headed the Davenport Commercial College, where he taught penmanship, a skill he demonstrated in his execution of this work. In 1867, he helped organize the Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences, often including his own engravings in his scientific publications."
Source: Smithsonian
Art historian Deb Stein wrote this article which has additional historical background: A closer look at a rare 1865 lithograph: “The Declaration of Independence with George Washington and the Seals of 36 States."
— Lee Wright | Founder
Size: 19" x 24"
Made in America in every way. Printed in America. And framed in a made in America solid wood frame with UV-protecting, non-glare acrylic for glazing.
Important note on care of framed prints: Use a microfiber cloth or similar to remove dust and fingerprints. Do not use household cleaners on the frame or on the acrylic.
Shipping: $20 for framed prints.
Shipping
Shipping
For shipments to addresses within the U.S. (scroll down for International shipping)
Flat-rate shipping: Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, and button packs is $5.95.
For hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets, the shipping cost is $8.95.
Our flat rate shipping means you can add two or more t-shirts, sweatshirts, or caps for no additional shipping charge.
Note that some large or heavy items, including larger framed prints, may have a different shipping charge or a shipping surcharge. When they do, it will be noted on the product page.
Timing
We try to ship orders within three business days of receiving them. This applies to in-stock items. Framed items or items requiring personalization may take up to two weeks longer. If there is an extended delay, it will be noted on the product page.
We close for a week over Independence Day and Christmas. A notice will appear at the top of every page of the site in advance of this closure.
We ship most orders via USPS, so if the post office is closed, we won't be shipping orders that day.
If you need to receive your order by a certain date, such as to give as a gift or have for a trip, we recommend ordering at least two weeks in advance, especially if you are using USPS shipping.
If you're looking for reliable, on-time deliveries, we strongly suggest upgrading to "UPS 3 Business Day Select Shipping."
Additional notes:
- When fulfillment takes longer, such as around the Christmas holidays, we'll put up an announcement in the site and will list recommended shipping deadlines below.
- If an item is out of stock, we will contact you.
- If one of your items is an advance order, that will be noted on the product page along with an estimate of when it will ship. If that estimated date changes, the product page will be updated.
Charges for shipping to destinations in the United States and to APO, DPO, and FPO addresses
- Free shipping
- On stickers, magnets, decals, patches, static clings, and individual button pins.
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US Postal Service shipping - The least expensive, though also less reliable than UPS. (See more on UPS in the next section.)
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$5.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.
Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price is still fixed at $5.95. Our flat rate shipping means you can add another t-shirt, cap, or book for no additional shipping charge.
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$8.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
UPS 3 Business Day Select
Note: UPS 3 Business Day select is not available for addresses in Hawaii and Alaska. If UPS is selected for Hawaii or Alaska, the order will be shipped UPS Ground.
- $14.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.
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$18.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
- If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.
- UPS Overnight (Next Business Day Delivery)
For shipments to addresses outside the United States
DestinationsWe only ship to locations that are served by US Postal Service International Service.
Charges
- Canada and Mexico
- Rate starts at $40.00 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs, hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
- Rest of the World
- Rates starts at $65.00.
Additional charges for all destinations
Some large, heavy items may have an additional shipping charge. If that's the case, it will be noted on the product page.
If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.
All original designs are copyrighted by The History List
All original designs are copyrighted by The History List
All designs are copyrighted by The History List and the History Nerd text and design on t-shirts is a registered trademark. If you see a knock off, please let me know.
Mission
Mission
Your purchases support our mission to engage people with local history and to support historic sites and history organizations across the country.
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Framed "Declaration of Independence" Calligraphy of George Washington with the seals of 16 states
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