Colonial America
Rare 18th Century Strike of William Penn's Bookplate
Early 18th Century, Original Colonial Era Printed Bookplate of William Penn, Proprietor of Pennsylvania, dated 1703 printed off the original Engraved Copper Plate on heavy laid period paper, Choice Crisp Extremely Fine.
Printed in rich black, Engraved Bookplate on heavy laid period paper with "G R" (George Rex) watermark, with printed text: "William Penn, Esqr. Proprietor of Pennsylvania : 1703". A rare early Colonial era Original Colonial period strike of this historic Bookplate, printed from the original Engraved Copper-Plate. William Penn (1644-1718) was the founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, and a Quaker advocate of Democracy and Religious Liberty in the American Colonies. The paper embossed copper-plate's outline measures about 4.5" x 3.25" within the larger sheet, the full laid paper sheet measures to 6.5" x 8.25". Provenance Ex: Alderfer Auction June 8th, 2005 Lot 38 where was there stated to be an original printing. Rare and popular. Reference See: Allen No. 656.