January 25th Rare Autograph & Book Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2024
1 page, portion of a folio left, Philadelphia, 1 April 1751; torn, not affecting signature, paper losses at margins. This is a receipt for services rendered. Originally purchased through the Philip D. Sang Collection at Sotheby's in 1981.
Philip Syng (September 29, 1703 – May 8, 1789) was a Philadelphia silversmith who flourished there for almost seventy years. He was a close associate of Franklin's and also conducted experiments in electricity. In 1752 he created the Syng inkstand, which was used to sign the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution in 1787.
Besides becoming one of the highly-sought Philadelphia silversmiths, Philip Syng, Jr. was a member of Benjamin Franklin's Junto, and was a founder of the Library Company of Philadelphia, the Union Fire Company, Philadelphia Contributionship, Pennsylvania Hospital, and the American Philosophical Society. He was a founding trustee of the academy and College of Philadelphia (now the University of Pennsylvania), serving from 1749 to 1773. Syng was also elected to various public offices including city assessor, warden of the port, and treasurer of the city and county of Philadelphia. Benjamin Franklin considered Syng a "worthy and ingenious friend."
With One of a Kind Collectibles LOA
Philip Syng Signed Document - Maker of Declaration Inkwell
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