Ebenezer Elmer
n.p., n.d.
"The American Museum": Three Signed Volumes, Includes First Serial Printing of Constitution, Owned by a Member of Congress/Revolutionary War Veteran
Signed book

Three original signed volumes of the early American serial publication "The American Museum," owned and signed by Revolutionary War Veteran and New Jersey Member of Congress, Ebenezer Elmer. This collection includes a scarce copy of "The American Museum, Or Repository of Ancient and Modern Fugitive Pieces, &c. Prose and Poetical" Vol. II, Number II. Philadelphia: Matthew Carey, July 1778. First Edition. 600pp. thick 8vo. (5" x 8"). Contemporary half brown sheep, original marbled boards, gilt title and year at spine. Contains the first serial printing of the U.S. Constitution and first serial printing of the first six Federalist papers issued outside of New York City. Elmer boldly signs on inside of cover of each volume, adding "Ex Libris Elmer," and again signs on first free endpaper. Spine split, exhibits wear to boards with scuffing and bumped corners, as well as wear to spines, partially missing spine labels, flaking to leather, cracked joints, and foxing throughout.

Each book exhibits wear to boards with scuffing and bumped corners, as well as wear to spines, partially missing spine labels, flaking to leather, cracked joints, and foxing throughout.

Ebenezer Elmer (1752-1843) served in the Continental Army as surgeon and later practiced medicine in Bridgeton, New Jersey, from 1783-1789. He was admitted as an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati. Elmer was a member of the New Jersey Assembly from 1789-1795, served in other political capacities, and then served in the War of 1812 as Adjutant General of the New Jersey Militia, and Brigadier General of the Cumberland Brigade.

"The American Museum" was one of the first successful literary magazines in the United State, featuring poetry, political columns, and news on domestic and international affairs. Included on the subscriber lists published within each volume are notables such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington, all of whom were also contributors.

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.

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5" x 8"