Philadelphia: Continental Publishing Co., 1876. Engraved header illustration and borders. Single sheet, approximately 24" x 32"

This is the impressive large format printing of the Declaration of Independence that is advertised on the smaller, more commonly encountered broadsides issued by McBride leading up to the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia.

McBride's facsimile is modelled after the famous 1823 Stone engraving, with the manuscript text of the Declaration and individual signatures reproduced from the official engrossed parchment copy now housed in the National Archives. The present facsimile from 1876 incorporates additional decorative elements and a certification and red seal by then Secretary of the Interior, Columbus Delano.

A very uncommon 19th century printing of the Declaration. Most citations and auction records for this McDade Centennial facsimile actually refer to the 15" x 20" advertising broadside which offered this large format version for 50 cents.

Not found in OCLC (the smaller broadside copy is noted in the Albert Small Collection).

Mildly age toned, creases from previously being folded, somewhat darker toning along a few folds, some short tears and small holes at a few fold intersections, and a few shallow edge chips.

Item #1922

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