Constitutions Des Treize Etats-Unis de l'Amerique. Printed 1783 by D. Pierres, Paris. Contains the first printed appearance of the Great Seal of the United States designed by Benjamin Franklin. The Franklin-inspired French edition of the Constitutions of the original thirteen states of the newly created United States of America. Only 600 copies were printed for Franklin, of which 100 were on large paper. Franklin was then Ambassador to the French Court and had just completed negotiations with Great Britain for the independence of the United States. The work was translated by the Duc de la Rochefoucauld at Franklin's suggestion and includes over 50 footnote annotations by the latter. "Franklin's grand gesture in publishing and distributing these constitutions, about which there was an intense interest and curiosity among statesman, was one of his chief achievements as propagandist for the new American Republic" - Streeter. Also included are the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the treaties between the United States and France, the Low Countries, and Sweden. Bound in brown leather with raised bands on the spine. Gilt titling and decoration on the spine as well. 8vo. 540pp. Howes C716, "aa." Sabin 16118. LIvingston, Franklin and His Press at Passy, pp. 181-188. Streeter Sale 1035.

Leather and boards have wear and scuffing. Appears to be cover mark on the title page, covering up a previous ink mark. Some foxing and staining on pages. Hinges have begun to crack. h. 8", w. 5", d. 1.75"