| Description |
1828 U.S. Passport of a Well-Traveled Man Issued and Signed by Henry ClaySingle sheet of paper [48 by 40 cm], printed on one side with an engraved depiction of a heraldic eagle with the motto Nunc Sedera Ducit; engraved text below, filled in by hand. Issued to James Markoe on April 15, 1828, and signed H. Clay in ink. Markoe's travels were impressive and this passport is heavily used, with well over a dozen ink stamps of various governments, two wax seals (one broken), and extensive writing in a variety of languages. The document is missing a central portion (15 or 20 square centimeters) from where a wax seal broke and tore the underlying paper; several folds have been repaired with tape long ago. In worn condition, overall, but still quite impressive and bearing the signature of an important figure whose frequent runs for the U.S. presidency led to a number of political tokens being issued for or against him. The engraved eagle is wonderfully primitive and charming, and the extent of the markings is quite impressive. Estimate $500. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Auctions 11/2018 (Newman XI), lot15188 (realized $228).
Heritage link: http://www.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1283&lotIdNo=11548 |
