Lot 362
Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) 14th President of the United States (1853-1857). Partly-printed Document Signed as President, 1 p., 7¾"x7½", pale blue paper, Washington, 1854 May 22. Fine; a few tiny ink specks in the engrossed portion. The President authorizes and directs the Secretary of State to "affix the Seal of the United States to a full power for Mr. Buchanan to conclude a postal treaty with Great Britain…." Pierce's signature is large and bold. Matted with a steel engraving of Pierce, a 3" bronze Presidential medallion and two stamps of the period. At lower left is the first United States stamp: a Scott #1, a red-brown 1847 5¢ Ben Franklin. At lower right is an 1851 Washington 12¢ stamp with a Blue Town cancellation, Scott #17. The 30"x18" frame has some nicks that need retouching. A wonderful early postal association.
When Pierce was elected in 1853, he appointed James Buchanan Minister to England. In 1848, the United States and Great Britain had come to an agreement concerning the postage on mail between the two countries: the amount due was to be shared, depending on the nationality of the ship that carried it across the Atlantic. By 1854, Pierce sought to secure a revised postal agreement and signed this document empowering Buchanan to conclude the treaty. In 1859 the British Post Office would arrange for sorting offices to be built on board some of the Cunard steamers and Post Office employees would sort and stamp the letters with the appropriate amounts of postage due to each country.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500.
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| Realized $5,060 |
