Friendship Album of Anna Quinn with Original Artwork, Calligraphy, and Holographic Will
Utica, New York: 1840-1861. The friendship album of Miss. Anna Quinn (dates unknown) of Utica, New York, exceptional for its original artwork, calligraphy, and an enclosed holographic will (i.e. an informal will handwritten on a scrap of paper). Entries with artwork and poetry by friends, family, and acquaintances date from as early as 1841 and as late as 1861; most entries were located in Utica, but Auburn and Deerfield are also represented. There is original watercolor artwork and calligraphy, as well as one example of pressed flowers, and one small die-cut Victorian scrap of a basket of flowers. There are two examples of monochrome theorem stencil. An 1888 newspaper clipping from "The Catholic American" is loosely inserted in the front cover, along with a commemorative menu from a 1933 dinner celebrating the career of Utica Gas and Electric Company attorney Myron G. Bronner (1856-1941). Finally, a c.1880s holographic will has been loosely inserted in the front; it reads, "I wish Tom to have his uncle['s] gold watch Agnes to have mine Jennie to have the case of dishes of haverland[?] and Hattie to have aunt Rose['s] seal Jack and Rose to have a [?] gold piece in any little boxes in my trunk and the silver of aunt Rose divided between you all." There is no name or signature; it has been folded in half and labeled in ink "my wishes".
4to (9.5" by 7.5"), approx. 75 leaves, nearly all filled with ink poetry, artwork, etc., and including several steel engraved plates. Pencil signature of Anna Quinn to front free endpaper. Bound in original publisher's brown sheep stamped in blind and gold with Anna's name stamped in gilt on upper board underneath a gold lyre flanked by swans. Good. Text block a little shaken, hinges and joints cracked/split with a couple of leaves/gatherings loose. Spine becoming loose. Some dust and finger soiling with light toning. Extremities worn. Most/all tissue guards appear intact.
Price: $550.00
Item #22001515