SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA FOLK ART FRAKTUR BIRTH RECORD, watercolor and ink on paper, two sheets, each displaying elaborate borders, the right example featuring a large Masonic arch, the left example inscribed for "Phebe / Mercer / Daughter of William Mercer and / Sidney his wife was born on the 11 of February in the year of our lord 1815". Housed in a 19th-century figured birds-eye maple frame. Attributed to the Record Book Artist (Frederick Co., VA, active first quarter 19th century) or follower of. Circa 1815. 7 3/4" x 6 3/8" (each sheet), 13" x 17" OA.
Provenance: From an important Washington, DC private collection.
Conestoga Auction, 11/2015, lot 702.
Harry Hartman Estate - Session VI.
Catalogue Note: Additional examples of this unidentified artist's work are represented in the collections of the American Folk Art Museum, New York City; the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center, Williamsburg, VA; the Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, MI; and the National Archives, Washington, DC.
William Mercer married Sidney Wright on May 5, 1814 in Frederick Co., Virginia. A year later, their daughter Phebe (the subject of the present birth record) was born. Phebe Mercer went on to marry Henry Grove on May 6, 1833 in Frederick County.

Good overall visual condition with minor to moderate areas of toning and discoloration. Appears to be laid down on backing paper with wear and losses to edges. Some discoloration. Not examined out of frame.