May 1, 2024 10:00 EST
Rare Books, Autographs & Maps
239
The remarkable Will of George Washington, 1799
Estate / Collection: Property from the Rotondaro Collection
WASHINGTON, GEORGE
The Will of General George Washington. To Which is Annexed, A Schedule of his Property, Directed to be Sold. Alexandria: Printed from the Record of the County Court of Fairfax, 1800. First edition. Stab-sewn as issued, the stitching renewed, housed in a fine morocco backed clamshell case. 6 1/4 x 4 inches (16 x 10 cm) 32 pp. The title toned and with a few stains and chips, less so to the last leaf, other spotting but the text generally clean.
The remarkable Will of first President George Washington, was executed on July 9, 1799, just months before his death that December. The Will was entered for probate in the Fairfax County Courthouse (where it still remains) and first printed at Alexandria as here before subsequent printings in various cities. The most notable feature of Washington's Will is his desire to free his slaves, writing:
Upon the decease of my wife, it is my Will & desire that all the Slaves which I hold in my own right, shall receive their freedom ... And whereas among those who will receive freedom according to this devise, there may be some, who from old age or bodily infirmities, and others who on account of their infancy, that will be unable to ⟨su⟩pport themselves; it is my Will and desire that all who ⟨come under the first⟩ & second descrip⟨tion shall be comfortably clothed & fed by my heirs while they live...
Washington left his other substantial personal property, real estate holdings, and various stock and livestock to his wife, Martha, but directed that some be sold. These are listed at the end of the Will. Following her husband's wishes, Martha Washington signed the manumission documents one year following his death in December 1800 and the slaves officially became free on 1 January 1801. Martha Washington died in 1802. The final appraisals of George Washington's property weren't filed until 1810 and the estate was not settled until 1847. ESTC W29703; Evans 39000; Howes W145; Sabin 101752
Sold for $7,680
Estimated at $4,000 - $6,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
Estate / Collection: Property from the Rotondaro Collection
WASHINGTON, GEORGE
The Will of General George Washington. To Which is Annexed, A Schedule of his Property, Directed to be Sold. Alexandria: Printed from the Record of the County Court of Fairfax, 1800. First edition. Stab-sewn as issued, the stitching renewed, housed in a fine morocco backed clamshell case. 6 1/4 x 4 inches (16 x 10 cm) 32 pp. The title toned and with a few stains and chips, less so to the last leaf, other spotting but the text generally clean.
The remarkable Will of first President George Washington, was executed on July 9, 1799, just months before his death that December. The Will was entered for probate in the Fairfax County Courthouse (where it still remains) and first printed at Alexandria as here before subsequent printings in various cities. The most notable feature of Washington's Will is his desire to free his slaves, writing:
Upon the decease of my wife, it is my Will & desire that all the Slaves which I hold in my own right, shall receive their freedom ... And whereas among those who will receive freedom according to this devise, there may be some, who from old age or bodily infirmities, and others who on account of their infancy, that will be unable to ⟨su⟩pport themselves; it is my Will and desire that all who ⟨come under the first⟩ & second descrip⟨tion shall be comfortably clothed & fed by my heirs while they live...
Washington left his other substantial personal property, real estate holdings, and various stock and livestock to his wife, Martha, but directed that some be sold. These are listed at the end of the Will. Following her husband's wishes, Martha Washington signed the manumission documents one year following his death in December 1800 and the slaves officially became free on 1 January 1801. Martha Washington died in 1802. The final appraisals of George Washington's property weren't filed until 1810 and the estate was not settled until 1847. ESTC W29703; Evans 39000; Howes W145; Sabin 101752
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, May 1, 2024
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Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on May 1, 2024 Totals $1.2 Million
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A Medieval Manuscript Rules of St. Augustine Achieves $102k
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Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions
NEW YORK, NY -- Competitive bidding at Doyle’s May 1, 2024 auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps drove strong prices and a sale total that topped $1.2 million, surpassing expectations.
Featured in the sale was a fascinating selection of early manuscripts that achieved exceptional results. Highlighting the group was a 14th century manuscript of the Rules of St. Augustine from an English priory that soared over its $8,000-12,000 estimate to realize a stunning $102,100. The Rule of St. Augustine is among the earliest of all monastic rules, created about 400, and it was an influence on all that succeeded it. Other notable results included a 14th century Etymologiae of St. Isidore estimated at $5,000-8,000 that achieved $51,200 and a 15th century Prayer Book of Jehan Bernachier estimated at $10,000-15,000 that sold for $28,800.
A first edition of John James Audubon's octavo Birds of America sold for $41,600, far over its $25,000-35,000 estimate. Published in 1840-1844 in seven volumes, the first octavo edition was the final Birds of America publication overseen by Audubon in his lifetime.
The Fred Rotondaro Collection offered rare books and manuscripts on a range of subjects touching the African American experience in the United States over three centuries. A first edition copy of Frederick Douglass’ 1876 speech at the unveiling of the Freedman's Monument in Washington realized $12,800, far exceeding its $3,000-5,000 estimate. A first edition of the first issue of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin from 1852 also achieved $12,800.
Highlighting the range of offerings from the Ken Harte Collection of Natural History was a first edition Richard Bowdler Sharpe’s beautifully illustrated monograph of Kingfishers, 1868-71, that sold for $14,080, doubling its $6,000-8,000 estimate. It was accompanied by an inscribed copy of the rare unfinished chapter on the anatomy of the kingfisher by James Murie.
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
For information, please contact Peter Costanzo at 212-427-4141 ext 248, Edward Ripley-Duggan at ext 234, or Noah Goldrach at ext 226, or email Books@Doyle.com
