Name/Title
Parchment Reproduction Declaration of IndependenceEntry/Object ID
2022.7.1Description
Calfskin Parchment printed via Edwin Meeks descended steel plate housed at the US Bureau of Engraving and PrintingContext
The original Declaration was written with quill and ink on a parchment likely manufactured in England. By the early 1800's the original was beginning to darken due to iron in the ink. Then Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams commissioned William Stone to engrave a coppler plate facsimile. From that plate, 201 parchment facsimiles, were printed in 1823. Only 31 of these are known to exist and are kept by the government or large institutions.
The method used to prepare this Milton Historical Society facsimile parchment for printing approximates closely the original steps of the 1700's. The hide is washed and soaked in lime for up to two weeks. Hair is scraped followed by four additional weeks of soaking in lime. Stretching and a final scrape prepare the skin for printing.
For printing, a one-inch thick 20lb block of magnesium zinc compound is etched so the text is exposed. The facsimile was hand printed on a counterpoint letter press that was once used as a proofing press for Acts of Parliament. The final product is a unique facsimile and a work of art. The plate block has been certified as exact by the US government Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Hand printing performed by the William Cowley Parchment Works of Newport Pagnell, England.Collection
Kevin SpearAcquisition
Accession
2022.7Source or Donor
Kevin SpearInscription/Signature/Marks
Location
Lower left cornerTranscription
PATRIGRAPHICA MMXI