August 2021 Catalogue

19th-Century Chromolithographic Portraits Of George And Martha Washington, In Matching Oval Gilt Frames 62. (WASHINGTON, George and Martha) MIDDLETON, E.C. Framed chromolithographic portraits. Cincinnati, circa 1864. Together, two framed pieces. Paper on canvas, oval image measuring 13-1/2 by 16- 1/2 inches; handsomely framed, each piece measures 19 by 22 inches. $6500. Mid-19th-century chromolithographic portraits of George and Martha Washington, laid on canvas, each in a contemporary gilt frame. Cincinnati engraver Elijah C. Middleton used a unique method of lithography—printing on canvas-backed paper in oil-based inks—to produce color images of unusually high quality that were still affordable. Starting around 1861, his portraits—often of figures such as George and Martha Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Webster or General Grant—were prized not just locally, but even drew the attention of East Coast markets and competitors. A fewminor cracks to frames, small chip exposing plaster on George Washington frame, a few spots of discoloration to Martha Washington portrait, not touching her face. Near-fine condition. “Purchase All The Good Rifles You Can Meet With” 63. WAYNE, Anthony. Autograph letter signed. Philadelphia, February 24, 1776. Single sheet of unlined paper, measuring 7 by 9 inches, mounted on a bordered page. $15,500. Exceptional February 1776 autograph signed letter from “Mad” Anthony Wayne to Captain John Lacey, ordering that Lacey—his longtime adversary—recruit men and round up enlistees in Bucks County; arrange for a commissioned officer to train thosemen at Darby; and purchase good rifles in preparation for marching toward New York in the buildup for the Battle of Trois-Rivières. This letter is a rare example of cordiality between two patriotswho detested each other, but fought for a common cause. Captain—later General—Lacey had enlisted early in the war and had served in the Pennsylvania Line under Anthony Wayne repeatedly. Familiarity lead to loathing and, by the end of 1776, Lacey finally retired back to his Bucks County farm. This letter was written just before the event that would lead to his retirement: the Battle of Trois- Rivières. While the Battle of Trois-Rivières resulted in a terrible defeat for the Continental Army, it was an action undertaken with what the colonists believed to be the best of intentions: a free Canada. Wayne and Lacey did not meet again as battlefield compatriots until Lacey reemerged from retirement at Germantown. This item was bound into an extra-illustrated copy of the “History of the City of New York” circa 1872, in the possession of Emery E. Childs, and while the book—expanded to 21 volumes—has passed through several hands, this particular autograph letter has not been on the market since it was bound in, a happy circumstance that has alsomaintained this rare letter in excellent condition. Original folds, slightest rubbing to edges before mounting affecting one word. Near-fine condition. F r a m e d ! 2 0 2 1 B a u m a n R a r e B o o k s 53 52