Partly-printed vellum DS, two pages, 11.25 x 15, April 20, 1830. Patent issued to Asabel Curtiss stating that “he has invented a new and useful improvement in the making or manufacturing of Butter.” Second page bears a detailed description of the improvement of the making of butter, written and signed by Curtiss. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of Jackson’s signature, scattered toning and soiling, some light skipping to Jackson’s signature, and light creasing and wrinkling. The white wafer seal is worn but mostly intact, the original red ribbon holding the two pages together is present, and Jackson’s signature measures over 6.5 inches long.
On April 13, 1830, seven days prior to the signing of this patent, a dinner party was held on the pretext of celebrating Thomas Jefferson's birthday “to honor his memory as the author of the Declaration of Independence.” Among the invited guests were Jackson, Calhoun, Van Buren, cabinet ministers, Congressional members, and the general public. In reality, it served as the inauguration of the doctrine of nullification which allowed states to void any federal law deemed unconstitutional by that state. Pressed to give toast, the president declared, "The Federal Union: It must be preserved!" to which a shocked but defiant Calhoun responsed, "The Union: next to our liberty, the most dear. May we always remember that it can only be preserved by respecting the rights of the states and distributing equally the benefits and burdens of the Union." Van Buren toasted next and asked the company to drink to "Mutual forbearance and reciprocal concessions: through their agency the Union was established. The patriotic spirit from which they emanated will forever sustain it." While uninspired, its conciliatory tone made him the candidate for the next presidential election.
Little is known about Curtiss, but this rare presidential patent remains highly desirable for the presidential signatures of two presidents, Jackson and Van Buren, who succeeded Jackson and became the eighth President of the United States. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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