Wray, A.H. "Facsimile of the Signatures to the Declaration of Independence"

A.H. Wray.  “Facsimile of the Signatures to the Declaration of Independence.”  From John H. Hinton’s The History and Topography of the United States of America. 

Boston: S. Walker, ca. 1855.  13 ½ x 10 ¼.  Signatures engraved by J. W. Allen.  Ornament engraved by E. McCabe.  With folds as issued reinforced with acid free archival tape.  Faint browning.  Else, very good condition. 

A lovely example of a steel engraving containing facsimiles of the signatures of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.  At top are allegorical figures of Justice, depicted as a woman carrying scales and a sword, and Liberty, attired in a liberty cap and carrying a spear and shield. An eagle is situated between them.  The border of the print is comprised of the state seals of the original thirteen colonies. At the bottom is a vignette of the Capitol at Washington and a statement by John Quincy Adams, Department of State, dated April 19, 1819 declaring the signatures "Exact Imitations.” 

This print is from one of the more popular nineteenth century view books, Hinton’s History and Topography.  This work contained text and numerous illustrations documenting the history and topography of the United States.  Hinton used many different artists.  For their wide coverage, accurate detail, and pleasing appearance, these are amongst the finest small images and historical engravings of early nineteenth century America to be found anywhere.