Original June 16, 1885 University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine diploma awarded to L. Foster Jack (Louis Ottofy Foster Jack, 1851–1927), conferring the degree of Doctor in Chirurgia Dentaria (Doctor of Dental Surgery). Foster Jack would go on to become one of the most influential figures in American dentistry, serving as a prominent educator, editor, author, and authority on operative dentistry and dental pathology whose writings helped shape the profession during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The diploma bears the signatures of an extraordinary faculty roster, including Joseph Leidy (1823–1891), the legendary anatomist, paleontologist, and naturalist often regarded as one of the greatest American scientists of the nineteenth century; Thomas G. Wormley (1826–1897), pioneering toxicologist and forensic chemist whose work became foundational in medico-legal science; Harrison Allen (1841–1897), distinguished anatomist and physician; James Truman (1843–1914), influential dental educator and author; and Henry C. Darby, noted professor of operative dentistry and clinical instruction. Beautifully executed in Latin with elaborate engraved calligraphy, the diploma retains its original embossed University seal and blue ribbon and represents the convergence of several of the most important figures in nineteenth-century American medicine, science, and dentistry. Shelved at Rockville Room J (MW shelf). More

France: 1757. Magnificent and highly decorative 1757 University of Avignon vellum law diploma granting a Licentiate in Canon and Civil Law (“Licentia in Jure Canonico et Civili”), executed entirely by hand in Latin manuscript on a large sheet of genuine vellum during the papacy of Benedict XIV. This striking ancien régime university document was issued by the historic University of Avignon, one of the most important ecclesiastical and legal centers in southern France, long associated with papal authority dating back to the Avignon Papacy. The diploma names the recipient as Antonius Franciscus Peyre (Antoine François Peyre) and references senior university and papal legal officials including Josephus de Poulle, identified with the title “Auditor Sacri Palatii Apostolici,” indicating ties to the broader papal legal-academic system rather than merely a local institution. The text repeatedly references Canon Law, Civil Law, French Law (“Juris Gallici”), and the authority of the University of Avignon (“Universitatis Avenionensis”), underscoring the document’s importance within 18th century legal and ecclesiastical education. Dated 1757 during the reign of Pope Benedict XIV, this is a superb example of an 18th century European university manuscript diploma with strong appeal to collectors of legal history, ecclesiastical history, papal material, university memorabilia, and decorative manuscript art. An outstanding display piece with tremendous wall presence. In Good condition. Framed under glass measuring 19 in. x 17.5 in. Vellum remains intact with expected age-related folds, waviness, cockling, creasing, and minor staining consistent with authentic 18th century vellum manuscripts. Ink remains dark and attractive overall. Shelved at Rockville Room J (MW Shelf). More

1829. Early American medical diploma issued by the University of Maryland (Latin: Academia Caesarea Maria) in Baltimore, dated 1829, conferring the degree of Medicinae Doctor (Doctor of Medicine) upon Georgius Shriver. This large-format document is beautifully executed in Latin with elaborate calligraphic flourishes and retains its original large red wax seal and ribbon (though detached from diploma). The diploma is signed by a distinguished faculty of early American physicians, including Nathaniel Potter (founding professor of medicine), Nathan R. Smith (renowned surgeon and medical educator), Elisha DeButts (chemist and physician), Richard Wilmot Hall (obstetrics), and Maxwell McDowell (anatomy). In Very Good condition overall (for its age), with expected fold lines, scattered foxing, and minor staining consistent with early 19th-century documents. Stored folded. Shelved at Rockville Room E (MW Box). More

Bengal: 1832. Original early 19th-century British East India Company military commission, issued in Bengal and appointing a medical officer during the height of British imperial expansion in India. Issued under the authority of Sir Edward Barnes, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Forces in the East Indies. Barnes would later serve as Governor of Ceylon and remains a notable figure in British colonial military history. Signed to lower right by Barnes. Original wax seal intact. Document measures 15.25 in. x 9.75 in. Frame measures 17.75 in. x 12,25 in. Shelved at Rockville Room E (MW Box). More

London: 1825. An exceptional early 19th-century medical diploma issued by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, dated August 8, 1825, certifying that Thomas Beales had been examined by the Court of Examiners and found qualified to practice the art and science of surgery. The certificate features a finely engraved coat of arms of the College at the top, flanked by classical figures representing the healing arts and bearing the Latin motto “Quae prosunt omnibus artes” (“The arts which benefit all”). The document is completed in elegant period manuscript and bears the original paper wafer seal of the College affixed at lower left. The diploma carries the signatures of several of the most important surgeons of the era, including John Abernethy, one of the most celebrated surgical teachers of the early nineteenth century and a pioneering figure in British surgical education. Additional signatures include Anthony Carlisle, noted anatomist and surgeon, and William Lynn, who served as President of the College at the time. Such autographs from leading figures in British medicine significantly enhance the historical interest of the document. Stretched over thin wood frame measuring 12 in. x 17.5 in. In Good condition. The sheet displays scattered foxing and age toning consistent with early 19th-century paper. Minor edge wear and light staining visible, with the original wafer seal intact. The engraving and manuscript text remain clear and attractive. Shelved at Rockville Room J (MW Shelf). More

1869. Official membership certificate issued by the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. The document certifies that: Brig. Gen. Alfred P. Rockwell, U.S.V. “having been specially distinguished for faithful services in maintaining the honor, integrity and supremacy of the Government of the United States of America…” Signed by George Cadwalader. Measures 24 x 18.5 in. In Very Good condition for a large 19th-century certificate. Age toning and random spotting to paper. Minor to moderate edge wear including losses along margin and a small paper loss (approximately 1/2 x 3/4 in.) to right lower quadrant and 1.5 in. close tear to upper right edge. Shelved at Rockville Room J (MW Shelf). More

Pennsylvania: 1894. Original Doctor of Medicine diploma issued May 8, 1874 by the historic Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, the pioneering institution founded in 1850 as the first medical school in the world established to train women physicians. This large and beautifully engraved Latin diploma confers the degree of “Doctorem Arte Medendi” (Doctor of Medicine) upon Mariam Elizabeth Copham. The document is printed in ornate calligraphy on silk or parchment-style material and retains its original ribbon and seal attachment. The diploma bears the manuscript signatures of several notable faculty members associated with early medical education for women, including: Clara Marshall (Professor of Materia Medica and later Dean of the college), Frances Emily White (Professor of Physiology and Hygiene), Anna M. Broomall (Professor of Obstetrics), William H. Pancoast (Professor of Anatomy), and John B. Roberts (Professor of Surgery). Shelved at Rockville Room J (tubes). More

Philadelphia. Large and decorative membership certificate from the W. W. Keen Surgical Society of Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. The document recognizes Samuel Melvin Hauck for his professional fitness and ability and grants him membership in the society. The certificate bears a prominent embossed seal and features elaborate period typography typical of late 19th-century academic and medical documents. Signed by multiple individuals but all signatures have faded and most are illegible. In Good condition with moderate toning, fold lines, evidence of extended exposure to moisture, and general age wear. Shelved at Rockville Room J (MW Shelf). More

Pennsylvania: 1885. Large engraved medical diploma with elaborate scrollwork. Blind embossed institutional seal (lower left). Multiple faculty autographs in iron-gall ink, including William W. Keen and Anna Broomall. In Very Good condition with moderate age toning and creasing. Shelved at Rockville Room J (tubes). More

New London, Connecticut: 1787. Partially printed and hand-completed legal instrument beginning “To all People to whom these Presents shall Come, Greeting,” documenting the sale of land in Montville, New London County, Connecticut. The deed records a transaction by Joshua Hempsted, acting as collector of public taxes, conveying property to Elisha Comstock to satisfy unpaid taxes and charges. Signed by Joshua Hempsted and witnessed by Benjamin Hempsted and Richard Hempsted, with a dated acknowledgment before a justice of the peace on April 16, 1787. The verso retains period docketing inscriptions for filing and identification. Measures approximately 8 x 13 in. In Good overall condition. Moderate toning and scattered foxing; heavy fold lines from original filing. Significant edge wear with small losses and tears; minor staining, including remnants of red wax seal at lower right. Shelved at Rockville Room J. More

New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1992. First Edition, First Printing. Thick Octavo, 671 pages. In Very Good minus condition with a Very Good minus dust jacket. Spine blue with white and yellow lettering. Exterior has mild wear including light soiling and few crinkles to the head/tail edges. Boards have slight wear including slight sunning and light edge wear. Text block has slight wear including slight age toning to the edges and mild age toning to the interior. First edition, first printing. Signed by the author. NOTE: Shelved in Locked Annex, Column X. More

Group of 8 legal documents from c.18th century. Documents are in Good condition overall with mild-to-moderate age toning, wear to corners, edges, and along creases, and occasional light foxing. One-page fragment of a legal deposition in response to a court order (most likely Chancery) discussing a case under review. Appears to be signed “M.H. Cooke” (Sir Miles Cooke was a Master in Chancery during James II’s reign), and dated 1686. One-page chancery court notice of a deposition/commission execution to gather testimony in Philadelphia. Signed by John Hallowell and "Fra Hopkinson" (likely Francis Hopkinson Jr., son of Francis Hopkinson, signer of the Declaration of Independence). One-page Connecticut state court write for tax collection (1787). Sheriff instructing to levy unpaid tax from “goods or chattels”, and if insufficient, to take his body into custody until payment is made. Signed by John Lawrence (Treasurer of Connecticut). Three-page document (dated 1757) providing information regarding an English estate/legal settlement case. Appears to concern the estate of Peter Bold, a notable gentry family with estates in Cheshire and Lancashire, known for complicated estate settlements in the 18th century. A court summons from the state of New Hampshire. Paper seal is intact in upper left corner. One-page printed legal writ from New Jersey Colony (pre-Revolutionary War) for purpose of tax collection. More

London: 1779. ALS (w. 7.5 in. x h. 9 in.), 3 pages. ALS from a Loyalist, William Clark, to an Anglican clergyman in Nova Scotia. It laments the hardships of Loyalists in America, praises the fidelity of the Anglican clergy, and expresses faith that the rebellion will soon collapse and British monarchy be restored. It also references other Loyalist figures (Weeks, Patten, Jeffries) and includes naval news. In Good condition overall with moderate age toning, scattered mild foxing (primarily to margins and page edges), and minor damp-staining to upper right corner. RW Consignment. Shelved at Rockville Room A Ephemera. More

England: 1810. Legal Document (w. 7 in. x h. 8.5 in.), 2 pages. In Very Good condition. Light overall age-toning with scattered foxing and a few random dark stains on the verso. Two small tears (approx. 0.25") to the upper left corner and edge. Faint original fold lines from storage. Red wax seal present, slightly cracked yet intact. Last Will and Testament of Mary Farren, dated 25 September 1810. The document bears the signatures of two witnesses, and is simply signed 'X' by Farren. RW Consignment. Shelved at Rockville, Room A, General Ephemera Part 2. More

New York: 1872. Two handwritten letters by Joseph H. Choate, each written on printed letterhead. The first on the letterhead of Office of Evarts, Southmayd & Choate, 52 Wall Street, New York; the second on his personal letterhead from 8 East Sixty-Third Street. Both letters are in Very Good condition, exhibiting light age-toning with minor wear along edges and corners. Gentle crease folds from original handling, along with a few scattered pencil notations. Measures: 10.5 in. x 6.75 - 8.25 in. (unfolded). RW Consignment. Shelved at Rockville, Room A, General Ephemera Part 2. More

1867. Two-page ALS to A.G. (Albert Gallatin) Riddle discussing a recent case, along with an engraved portrait by Max Rosenthal. In Very Good condition, showing signs of age-toning, minor fold creases, and wear to edges and corners. Traces of adhesive remnants and random pencil markings on the reverse of the second page. Light stains are present along the border of the engraving. Letter measures 7.75 in. x 9.75 in; original engraving measures 5.5 in. x 7.75 in. RW Consignment. Shelved at Rockville, Room A, General Ephemera Part 2. More

Philadelphia: 1794. In Very Good condition with light age toning and browning along edges and crease folds. Mild chipping to edges. Measures 8.25 in. x 13.25 in. Signed in black fountain pen by the landholder, Henry Sain. DM Consignment. Shelved at Rockville PS1101. More