
An original engraved facsimile copy of the American Declaration of Independence comes up at Fonsie Mealy’s Christmas Book and Collectors sale in Dublin on December 7 and 8. It was issued by Order of Congress in 1823 when it was noted that the ink on the original document was fading. The limited edition of 200 copies on fine parchment was executed by engraver William J. Stone. The copy at Fonsie Mealy’s has direct provenance by family descent to Charles O’Connor, the Irish American Democratic lawyer who in 1872 became the first catholic to be nominated for the US Presidency. It is estimated at €20,000-€30,000.