EUR
CAD
AUD
GBP
MXN
HKD
CNY
MYR
SEK
SGD
CHF
THB
SAR
AEDWilliam J. Stone Declaration of Independence, 1823 or Later
About Seller
300 20th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
United States
Witherell’s auction house is a family business rooted in a passion for fine art and antiques, based in Sacramento, a region known for its history and its important 20th century art scene. It all started when Brad Witherell was gifted a Civil War-era Henry rifle from his uncle as a teen, spurring his...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
- Bid live during the auction and your bids will be submitted real-time to the auctioneer.
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
About Auction
LiveOct 29, 2026
Witherell's Live Luxury Asset Auction, October 29, 2026, from the Sutter Club, Sacramento. 363 lots: Warhol's $9, a Peale portrait, a Stone Declaration of Independence, Rolex, gold, fine jewelry, California baskets and more. Witherell Auctions Brian@witherell.com
View Full Catalog (363)
- Lot Description
An engraved paper impression of William J. Stone’s celebrated facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, printed 1823 or later from the original copperplate commissioned by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. In 1820, Adams commissioned Stone to create an exact facsimile of the increasingly fragile engrossed Declaration, preserving the nation’s founding document through one of the most ambitious engraving projects undertaken in early America. Completed in 1823 after three years of work, Stone’s engraving became the definitive nineteenth-century facsimile of the Declaration of Independence and remains one of the most important engravings in the history of the United States.
The present example bears the engraved imprint “W.J. STONE SC. WASHN.,” identifying it as an impression printed from Stone’s altered copperplate following completion of the official 1823 vellum edition. Based on its paper and printing characteristics, it is consistent with an early paper impression printed 1823 or later. Unlike the countless lithographic and photomechanical reproductions issued in later generations, this example was printed directly from Stone’s original engraved copperplate commissioned by the United States government to preserve the text of the Declaration of Independence.
Although distinct from the exceedingly rare 1823 vellum edition prepared for Congress, paper impressions printed from Stone’s original plate are highly prized by collectors of Americana and occupy an important place in the history of American printing, engraving, and documentary preservation. Offered during the nation’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this impression is a significant historical artifact and a tangible connection to the document that announced the birth of the United States. Few objects better embody the origins of the American Republic or the enduring legacy of its founding ideals.
Dimensions: Sheet: 33.5 x 29.25 in. Plate mark: 29.75 x 25.25 in. Framed: 40 x 35 in.
Shipping: Free Sacramento pickup. Shipping via FedEx within the continental U.S. for $250 plus 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing).
Condition
Age toning, scattered staining, creasing, and areas of paper loss, including losses along the edges and within the sheet. Please refer to the online photographs for a complete visual representation of the sheet and its condition.
- Provenance
Parker Lyon Collection; acquired by Greg Martin during the collection’s dispersal; thereafter in the Collection of Al and Carol Cali.
- Shipping Info
-
Shipping is only in continental U.S. and information regarding shipping price is provided within the description of each lot. For international and larger items that we cannot ship in house, please take a look at our shipping contacts.
-
- Payment & Auction Policies
-
Available payment options
-
-
- Buyer's Premium
