You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
The January 2013 Collector’s Series Sale<br />
Early US Ship’s Passport Collection<br />
These passports were an important ship’s paper, kept aboard the ship during the voyage and deposited, along with the Registry<br />
Certificate, with the appropriate US consular authority anytime the vessel was in a foreign port. The document was<br />
intended to protect the vessel from capture or destruction by proving American (nonbeligerent) ownership. American<br />
crew members aboard the ships remained vulnerable to imprisonment, especially if they did not carry their own personal<br />
protection certificate as proof of citizenship. These passports were cut in a scallop pattern at the top so that they could be<br />
matched with the resulting stub, which the collector held. This was a means of preventing counterfeits.<br />
559<br />
559 Madison, James (1751-1836) Fourth President of the United States. Attractive partly engraved Document<br />
Signed “James Madison” as President and “R Smith”as Secretary of State, 1 page, folio, on vellum,<br />
[Washington], April 16, 1811, #52 issued in Baltimore. Three-masted cargo vessel, top; harbor<br />
scene with a lighthouse in the foreground with small ships and buildings in the background. A scalloptopped<br />
ship’s passport for the “Schooner Hotspur of Baltimore, James Knowles master or commander<br />
of the burthen of “two hundred twenty six” tons...mounted with “four” guns navigated with “Eleven<br />
men”. Countersigned for the State of “Maryland,” District of “Baltimore” and signed by customs collector,<br />
Ja. N. McCulloch Collt.” Seal of the United States at lower left. Document measures - 10 1/4”<br />
x 15”, mounted under plexiglass, outside frame dimensions - 31” x 25”. Attractively framed and mounted.<br />
Age-toned, with some small stains and edge and fold wear, overall VG. The “Hotspur” was built in Talbot<br />
County, Maryland in 1810. On July 14, 1811, registration #115, the Customs House Records show<br />
that the “Hotspur” was registered with John Smith Hollins, John Hollins, Michael McBlair, Lewis<br />
Hollingsworth, James Purviance, James Goodsing and Thomas Hatchings, all of Baltimore as the new<br />
owners. A lovely and attractive piece. (photo) Est. 1,500-1,750<br />
www.<strong>Spink</strong>.com
Change language