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Journal of Antiques and Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to present: Asheford Institute of Antiques

APPRAISERS CORNER Certified Appraisal Training
www.asheford.com

with David L Moore CPAA, Certified Professional Antiques Appraiser A Commitment to Excellence Since 1966

Hi David – in November 1805 by Attorneys Favro and Bloodgood representing the
I found out about you from the Journal of Antiques & Collectibles peoples of New York to New York City (NYC) and County Sheriff Joseph
and hope you can help me. Constant (Sheriff of NYC and county in 1805) regarding the imprison-
I inherited a framed, 2-sided document that measures approximately ment of Joseph Tremain, George Scott, and Lewis Katen, instructing
9.25 inches by 3 inches (photos attached). Constant to have them before the Supreme Court of Judicature in Albany
I have difficulty reading it, but I believe it is a NY state document con- NY on the 5th Monday of February 1806. Further instruction is given
cerning indentured servants, dating from 1805/1806. regarding two more men being held by Joseph Constant—Dudley Walsh
I am looking for options to either sell it or donate it; is this something I and Henry Buckman —on a charge of trespassing and the $1600 debt on
can either sell or donate? a bail bond. This letter also mentions New York
Thank you, Mike Supreme Court Chief Justice James Kent (1763-
1847) in February 1806. The document appears
Hello Mike and thank you for a very intrigu- to have been written by and or witnessed by an
ing item to appraise. I have no doubt that this I.Q. Wilson of Favhro and Bloodgood.
antique document itself is original and genuine, Some might look at this document and read
but I do not believe it is an indenture document. it differently, but the important thing is that this
This wonderful legal writ was created using 1805/1806 Court document mentions not only
vellum paper, probably a quill pen, and iron victims or perpetrators but crime and bail bonds
oxide ink as was the fashion in 1806. In the early (and $1,600 was a lot of money in 1805 – in
1800s, vellum would have been used on legal today’s money it would be $49,590). It mentions
documents such as indentures and court docu- New York City Chief Justice James Kent—
ments. On the front left, you will notice the back an important player in NYC politics in the
side of the New York State seal and how “puffy” early 1800s—but no signature. NYC and
it looks. That is one of the telltale signs of vellum County Sheriff Joseph Constant has signed the
instead of cloth or rag paper. Cloth paper would document, along with George Scott, Joseph
have been used for periodicals etc. Tremain, Lewis Katen, and I. Q. Wilson.
The ink was black when this document was Most importantly, this is a fun historical read!
written, but now it is faded and red in color Now, I must add a caveat. I am in no way an
because the ink has iron oxide in it to give it sub- expert in 1805 NYC and County law, nor do I
stance. I also detected a quill pen was used by the specialize in authenticating autographs. To value
thin and thick strokes shown in the writing. autographs, always get them authenticated by an
Finally, the writing style is similar to other docu- expert that issues authentication documents.
ments I have read from the late 18th or early Check for one that has the best overall bio and
19th century. reviews regarding authentication.
I have tried to translate this document and have been successful in That said, I will only give you an idea of value based on if this
most of the wording, but not all. It is my opinion that below is how the document is authentic. I could not find any autograph of Sheriff Joseph
document reads. I would have to see this document in person to view and Constant from 1805 – his signature is probably the most important.
study to see if I should decipher the writing differently. Given the subject matter and signatures, I estimate that if I were to see
Front side: Far left is the Seal of the Supreme Court of New York: this document for sale in NYC with authentication papers, I would expect
“The people of the state of New York to the Sheriff of the city and to pay an estimated $250+. If it had Chief Justice of the NYC Supreme
county of New York greeting: We command you that you take Joseph Court James Kent’s signature and authentication papers, the value could
Tremain George Scott and Lewis Katen if they may live in your jail which be hundreds of dollars more.
^ and thus falsely keep ^ so that you may have them in Liu (lieu) before Whether you keep, sell, or donate this writ is completely up to you. To
our justice of our Supreme court of Judicature at the city of Albany on the sell this, I would get this document and its signatures authenticated
fifth Monday of February next to answer unto Dudley Walsh and Henry with authentication papers. I would then choose an upper-end auction
Buckman assigned of Joseph Constant Sheriff of the City and County of house in NYC or one with NYC clients and get their opinion of value. If
New York in a plea of Trespass and also to a bill of the said Dudley and I donated it, I would want to see it go back home to NYC and into a
Henry for sixteen hundred dollars of debt upon bail bond before our paid museum that would display it. Many museums will give donors a receipt
Jurist accordingly to the curators of our jail court then and there to be of value for the donated item. It is best to check all the benefits before
enlisted and have you then there this event witness James Kent Esquire our choosing to sell or donate.
Chief Justice of the City of New York on the 23rd day of November. This document is a wonderful small look into early 1800s NYC and
I. Q. Wilson In the year one thousand eight hundred and five. Favhro (or County law. What a conversation piece! Until you decide what to do with
Fairho) and Bloodgood” it, Mike, hang it up and enjoy it.
On the back left side of the document:
“3 men are to appeal at the receipt of this writ and may the Lord to David L Moore, Certified Professional Antiques Appraiser
grant any appearance on order – | Joseph Tremain | George Scott | Filed
February 11th, 1806”
On the back right side of the document: David Moore is part of the school’s “Ask The Experts” appraising
“JUD Court | Dudley Walsh Henry Buckman assigned of J Constant team, and is an honors graduate and “Certified Asheford Institute
| Or | Joseph Tremain | George Scott | and Lewis Katen | Ret 1 Puose In of Antiques Appraiser.” Moore currently owns D L Moore CAA
and was owner of Waterman Antiques, President of the Indiana
1805 | 103 I. Q. Wilson | Tremain, G Scott | Taken Fees | Joseph Archaeological Society and is a published author, with over 50 years
Constant | Sheriff experience in the research and study of antiques and collectibles.
Given the above translation, I conclude that this is a letter written

Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to provide our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn more about
and value your finds. We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information to editorial.journalofantiques@gmail.com or mail to Journal of Antiques &
Collectibles, PO Box 950, Sturbridge, MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To learn more about becoming a “certified” antiques appraiser, visit www.asheford.com.
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