DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE DECORATIVE COPY
This decorative copy of the Declaration of Independence measures approximately 23" x 31" framed and was published 1819 - ?. Engraved by William Woodruff and published by O. Rogers of Philadelphia, PA, it features the title in ornamental script and text in a uniform round hand within an ornamental border bearing the state seals in medallions and portraits of Washington, Jefferson and Adams. The complete text of the Declaration of Independence is featured within the border as is facsimile signatures of the Declaration's signers. This copy is a close imitation of the John Binns copy which, according to Binns, was stolen by Woodruff while he was employed in the shop of George Murray the man hired by Binns to carry out the ornamental part of the engraving. Binns sued Woodruff in a federal court however the court decided that the case was outside its jurisdiction. Woodruff then went ahead and published his print before Binns.
This copy is printed from the original plate with signatures engraved in facsimile and includes Woodruff's imprint as well as the printer's credit "Phila. Published by O. Rogers, No 67 South 2nd St. Philad." At the bottom of the document it reads "To the People of the United States this engraving of the Declaration of Independence is most respectfully inscribed by their fellow citizen Wm. Woodruff" Price upon request*
|