A property deed signed by Frederick Douglass (1817[?]-1895), as "Fredk Douglass / Recorder," in his role as Recorder of Land Deeds for the District of Columbia. Encapsulated and PSA/DNA certified and graded NM 7. Issued from Washington, D.C. on February 6, 1885. The partly printed and partly handwritten document records details of a "deed of trust--chattels" transfer from "Amanda Howland" to "Robt. V. Hughes." Expected weathering and light overall toning. The sight size of the folded document is 3.625" x 8.5" while the slab measures 5.5" x 12.5."

While the exact nature of the chattels transferred between Amanda Howland and Robert V. Hughes remains unknown, the word is very interesting when considered in the context of Frederick Douglass. The word chattel highlights the extent to which Douglass precipitated (as an anti-slavery activist) and participated in (as one of the first prominent black federal employees) the racial, social, and economic Reconstruction of the United States.

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland but escaped at the age of twenty. Ironically, Douglass himself would have been classified as chattel under the statutes of American antebellum law, which defined it as any other property besides real estate. In 1885, 20 years after the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, not only were human beings no longer considered property, but a former slave was certifying legal documents in a position of some authority. Douglass served as Recorder of Land Deeds for the District of Columbia between 1881 and 1886. He also served as President of the Freedman’s Savings Bank, charge d’affaires to the Dominican Republic, and United States Marshal.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!