Partly-printed vellum DS as president, signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 12.5 x 15.25, April 14, 1796. Washington grants a patent to James Davis for “a new and useful improvement in the mode of tanning leather.” Signed at the bottom by Washington, and countersigned by Secretary of State Timothy Pickering and Attorney General Charles Lee. Accompanied by a 12.5 x 15.25 manuscript document from Davis, describing the improvement. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through tops of a few letters of signature, scattered light toning and foxing, some wrinkling, and much of Washington’s signature a bit light, but completely legible. The white paper seal is creased and toned, but intact, and the original small blue ribbon is still attached.
Washington was in the midst of his second term when he signed this patent document. To be sure, the United States Patent Office’s origins date to the earliest days of the nation with the first-ever patent issued in 1790. Though the tanning process dates back thousands of years, Davis clearly found a way to make it better, and submitted the necessary written descriptions and technical drawings to convince the Patent Office of the plan’s merits. An unusual and desirable format, signed by the first president of the then-20-year-old nation. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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