Rare ribbon copy of the Declaration of Independence, jacquard woven in silk with the Trophy of Eagles emblem depicting the bald eagle with the American flag, shield, and arrows in the upper margin. Inscribed in thread "American Silk Label Mfg. Co. NY" to lower left corner. 13" H x 8 1/4" W. American/New York, late 19th century, possibly circa 1876. Note: Commemorative versions of this item dating from 1925 and 1975 are housed in the Smithsonian and Metropolitan museums, each including phrases "Presented as a Souvenir of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the American Silk Label Manufacturing co." (1925 edition) and "This historical reproduction was first woven by us in 1876 for the centennial expedition at Philadelphia and was given an award for outstanding workmanship. the original was hung in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. We are proud to weave it again in commemoration of our 100th anniversary and on the coming of the Bicentennial of the United States of America." (1975 edition). The ribbon in this lot appears to pre-date the later editions and does not include references to an earlier version, suggesting it was made closer to or right around the time of the Centennial Exposition, however we can find no extant 1876 examples with which to compare it.

Fabric is very brittle and commensurate with age. With damp staining throughout, slight separations to the fabric, and slight fraying to the edges.