Founding father BENJAMIN FRANKLIN signed 1783 French Language Edition of “Constitutions Des Treiz Etats - Unis De L'America". The book contains the first foreign translated copies of the 13 state constitutions, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and three treaties. A rare RESTORED foreign language first-printing of the Declaration of Independence autographed by its editor and co-signer, Benjamin Franklin.
This is a restored 1783 first-printing of the book which was limited to just 600 copies printed for Franklin. As Ambassador to France, Franklin had copies printed to give to friends as well as key diplomatic contacts and emissaries.
The Franklin autograph flyleaf was originally removed from another copy of the same 1783 edition by noted autograph and manuscript dealer Charles Hamilton and is documented as such by the Franklin papers (see REF). Page has been professionally conserved and restored into an existing 1783 edition by the Sr. Conservator at the National Archives.
REF: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-40-02-0348
“Which she had requested in the letter immediately above. BF’s inscription (presumably in that work) read: “A Madame / Madame la Présidente de Manières de la part du B. Franklin.” The loose flyleaf is quoted in Charles Hamilton Autographs, Inc., catalog 31 (1959), item 72.”
Book binding is in original condition, consistent with age, wear and handling, featuring quarter calf over paper-covered boards, spine gilt in 6 compartments, red Morocco gilt spine title label.
Light dampstain to title and adjoining leaves at inner margin, light spotting at first, last and a few internal leaves but generally very clean, two leaves with natural holes to margin due to thin paper, small internal chip with soil and loss to a few letters, adjacent leaf with related closed tear and soiling, joints starting but holding, covers worn at corners and head and heal of spine, private library label to title.
Sale includes accompanying original LOA from the highly-respected Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) who have thoroughly examined the signature and certify its authenticity. UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED GENUINE - simply one of the finest BENJAMIN FRANKLIN signed books available on the market.
Sold as is, as shown.