Rare Book Monthly
Articles - December - 2010 Issue
Skinner Sells a Declaration
This copy was purchased by William Reese and sold shortly thereafter. It is the fourth Exeter copy to appear at auction in the past forty-three years. The Thomas Streeter copy was sold in 1967 for $9,000, the Phillip Sang copy in 1978 for $9,500 and a copy at Sotheby's in 2000 for $387,500. There are other printings and variants and all are desirable.
In an era where iconic material, always collectible, is emerging as attainable, serious collectors are increasingly pursuing the once unthinkable. Many lament the changes the internet has brought to the books, manuscripts, maps and ephemera field but one indisputable change has been increasing visibility. Since shortly after Lexington we as a nation have understood the meaning of "the shot heard around the world." These days, if material is important, those with the ears to hear now find such material and race to the site to buy it.
For Skinner their job was done with 192 words and superb timing. The next copy could show up anywhere and chances are, if appropriately described and publicized, the outcome will be satisfactory because more are learning that the impossible to obtain is increasingly within reach.
