Lot 2017: DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events.... [Washington, D.C.: engraved by William J. Stone for Peter Force, after 1833.]

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. When in the Course of Human Events.... [Washington, D.C.: engraved by William J. Stone for Peter Force, after 1833.] Engraved broadside. 745 x 640 mm (visible 700 x 620 mm). Toned, long tear at each side below lowest fold, with single vertical center-fold, and two equidistant horizontal folds. Matted and framed.The Force Declaration of Independence was actually printed sometime after 1833 by William J. Stone from his original plate begun in 1820. In 1833 Force proposed an ambitious compilation of important original American documents, American Archives, and commissioned Stone to print a number of copies of the Declaration on a translucent tracing paper. These printings included the alteration to the copperplate that is still evident: "W.J. Stone sc. Washington" in the lower right (lower left of the print). The "Force Declaration" is the most attainable example of the Stone Declaration on the market, though still quite rare. The foldlines present in this copy would suggest this was one of the broadsides that was never bound, but was folded for storage, before it was framed.