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Lot Number: 121
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1832 Dated Original Engraved Copper-Plate for Printed the Centennial Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington Civic Procession Silk Ribbon Badges, design by “Tiller Sc”

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February 22, 1832-Dated, Unique Original George Washington Related Hand-Engraved Copper Printing Plate used for the Printing of Silk Ribbon Badges, for the 1832 Centennial Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington, Philadelphia Civic Procession, Badge design, engraved by “Tiller Sc”(ulptor), Central Bust Portrait of President George Washington, Choice Near New.

A unique George Washington Unique rarity, this choice quality 3.5” tall x 2.25” wide (92.1 x 59.4. mm) printing plate original historic Philadelphia, 1832 Centennial Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington, Civic Procession. Likely a unique Trial Strike of the printed Silk Badge design, it has lustrous rich orange-copper lustrous flashes on the obverse, while the reverse has several traces of striking design “strike-through” after being hand-struck from the original period metal die, this strike also accounting for the slightly raised outer border rims. The design is in relief, so this was made from an impression from the original engraved plate, which would have been incuse and in reverse.

This is a “Positive” image, in relief. The central design appears on other printed Commemorative Silk Ribbons, signed by Tiller and Winship engraved within the design, while this more complete design bears the name “Tiller, sc.” (as engraver/maker), in tiny engraved text just beneath George Washington’s featured oval portrait at center. Also, small text imprinted at the bottom makes the 1832 vintage a certainty, reading: "in the Grand Civic Procession, 22d. Feb. 1832. Philada." A thin fine line with space above was to add the name of the wearer, reading: “This Badge was worn by _____________”. This copper impression therefore appears to be struck from the original engraved die used to produce the Silk Ribbons.

According to the report in The United States Gazette of February 24, 1832, "The COPPER-PLATE PRINTERS followed with a car, in which a press was at work printing a portrait of Washington. The productions of this press were also distributed among the crowd." While there is no way to tie this piece directly to this specific account, the copper-plate printers are among the most likely candidates of the participants in the Procession to have been responsible for a piece like this.
1832 marked the Centennial Anniversary year of the Birth of George Washington. With his memory still very alive and cherished more than three decades after his passing, major celebrations were held across America.

In Philadelphia, a massive Civic Procession was planned and executed. Even the newspapers in the city did not publish on February 23rd, as they were asked to not work on the day of the celebration, in honor of Washington-the day they would have otherwise prepared the 23rd's editions. The February 24, 1832, edition of Philadelphia's The United States Gazette offered these observations and commentaries on the events of the day, among others:

"The hundredth birth day of Washington was celebrated on Wednesday throughout the United States, with pomp and circumstances suited to the character and claims of our country's father, according to the feelings and view of citizens. Those who conscientiously avoid public parades, felt undoubtedly grateful for the benefits received, no less sensible of the claims for deep and lasting respect, which the services of Washington had upon them.”

"Philadelphia, on the occasion, manifested unusual display to give emphatic expression to feelings of love for the character, and gratitude for the services, of Washington.”

"For several days previous to the twenty second, the note of preparation was heard in every part of the city. The daily papers were crowded with notices of meetings of different trades, professions, and companies, for the purpose of considering the best mode of celebrating the occasion; committees of arrangement were formed, and each vied with the rest in a laudable and friendly emulation, to testify his respect for the great character whose birth day they were about to celebrate. Meanwhile, artists and artisans of every description were busy in the preparation of various insignia for the occasion..."

"...About 9 o'clock A.M. the different trades, fire companies, and military bands, were seen organizing in their respective places of rendezvous-and the busy movement of citizens with the badges of the day, and the different insignia of their craft and their official rank, was highly interesting and enlivening, while cheerful activity beamed in every face, and showed itself in the bouyancy [sic] of every step..."

"...The streets through which the procession passed, were crowded with people, anxiously gazing at the most imposing spectacle that has ever been exhibited in Philadelphia."

It was estimated that 10,000 to 15,000 people participated in the procession which was between four and five miles in length and lasted just several hours (accounts vary). The few medals that follow, along with the unique GW-91, are artifacts that relate directly to this occasion, and are among the few such struck items that can be assigned a very specific time, place and purpose.
Lot Number: 121
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Estimate Range: $2,000 - $3,000
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