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Details
FRANKLIN, Benjamin. Manuscript account book of John Paschall (1706-1779), endorsed and signed five times by Franklin, 1732-1741.
Oblong 8vo (4 1/8 x 7 ¼in), sheepskin, covers stamped in blind, three-rib spine. 70 leaves (140 pages), every page filled with 2-3 receipts, executed in the hands of those receiving payment from Paschall. Several additional receipts are loosely inserted throughout.
ONE OF THE EARLIEST FRANKLIN SIGNATURES TO APPEAR AT AUCTION
The first of the five signed endorsements by Franklin in this receipt ledger date from when he was just 26 years old 9 May 1732). The latest from when he was 36. Franklin autograph material from this early in his Philadelphia career is exceptionally rare. No earlier example is recorded sold at auction in the last 40 years by ABPC. John Paschall was a prosperous physician in Philadelphia, and along with Franklin, an original member of the Library Company of Philadelphia. Their shared literary interest is reflected in Franklin’s first endorsement, on 9 May 1732: “Receiv’d of Mr. John Paschall forty Shillings to be paid on his Acc’t. to Wm. Coleman for the use of the Library.” Two years later, on 8 October 1734, Franklin receives 20 shillings as payment “in full for two years Gazette.” That subscription is renewed on 4 October 1736: “One Pound Seven Shillings and Sixpence in full for the Gazette and all Accts to this Day.” Five years later, on 29 October 1741, Franklin makes two endorsements, one for “Ten Shillings in full for one year’s Gazette,” and “Five Shillings for an Advertisement relating to Jno. Fisher’s Estates.” The ledger is a fascinating look at early 18th century Philadelphia commerce, as hundreds of people transact with Paschall, among them such notable names as Joseph Wharton (8 Aug. 1734), Richard Sewall (25 Oct 1731), and on 9 Feb. 1737/8, £11 “for my father, Anthony Benezet.”
Oblong 8vo (4 1/8 x 7 ¼in), sheepskin, covers stamped in blind, three-rib spine. 70 leaves (140 pages), every page filled with 2-3 receipts, executed in the hands of those receiving payment from Paschall. Several additional receipts are loosely inserted throughout.
ONE OF THE EARLIEST FRANKLIN SIGNATURES TO APPEAR AT AUCTION
The first of the five signed endorsements by Franklin in this receipt ledger date from when he was just 26 years old 9 May 1732). The latest from when he was 36. Franklin autograph material from this early in his Philadelphia career is exceptionally rare. No earlier example is recorded sold at auction in the last 40 years by ABPC. John Paschall was a prosperous physician in Philadelphia, and along with Franklin, an original member of the Library Company of Philadelphia. Their shared literary interest is reflected in Franklin’s first endorsement, on 9 May 1732: “Receiv’d of Mr. John Paschall forty Shillings to be paid on his Acc’t. to Wm. Coleman for the use of the Library.” Two years later, on 8 October 1734, Franklin receives 20 shillings as payment “in full for two years Gazette.” That subscription is renewed on 4 October 1736: “One Pound Seven Shillings and Sixpence in full for the Gazette and all Accts to this Day.” Five years later, on 29 October 1741, Franklin makes two endorsements, one for “Ten Shillings in full for one year’s Gazette,” and “Five Shillings for an Advertisement relating to Jno. Fisher’s Estates.” The ledger is a fascinating look at early 18th century Philadelphia commerce, as hundreds of people transact with Paschall, among them such notable names as Joseph Wharton (8 Aug. 1734), Richard Sewall (25 Oct 1731), and on 9 Feb. 1737/8, £11 “for my father, Anthony Benezet.”