NOTE: Gift of Irene N. Walsh (reimbursed purchase price).
Birth record in German for Barbara Eschlemann made on laid paper by the Johannes Schopp/Schopf Artist. Paper has Ephrata watermark (CIB with tulip design). Framed in old frame of softwood with dark, crazed finish and applied blocks at corners.
Execution is typical of this artist's design. Horizontal orientation has outer and inner double-line borders with central heart having an open ring at top from which emanate vining flowers. Space between inner and outer borders is especially full with typical flowers of muted colors as well as a crown at top and shells both at top and a large one at bottom center.
Within heart is the text: "Barbara Eschlemann/ Ist gebohren im Jahr unsers Herrn und Heilandes Jesu/ Christi Anno 1777 den 8 Januarius. Morgens um/ 4 uhr, im Zeichendes. Steinbock." Additional text is added in muted ink within the space between heart and inner border. At left is: "Gott allein/ Hilf dahichseyvonher(?)/ heu from(?) ohn alle heucheley(?)." At right is: "die Ehre/ damit mein gankes(?)/ Christenthum, dir Wohlgefalligley(?)."
Breaking at fold lines; two corners missing and two corners with small holes. Three-inch tear extends from left bottom corner to right side. Tear at bottom, 2" from right corner, extends upward 1/2-inch. Additional tears with losses at bottom, esp. at center. Reverse has paper tape repairs: vertical strip entire length of center fold line and shorter strip along bottom from center to torn corner. Several moisture stains along bottom.
Frames\'s wood backing removed and replaced with acid free backing, Dec. 2004.
Object ID
P.05.51.1
Notes
Gift of Irene N. Walsh (reimbursed purchase price).
See G77.50.11 for another Birth Record by Schoff Artist (done for Anna Schenck). Additional Schoff pieces are photocopied in this file.
Earnest, Papers for Birth Dayes, pp. 675-676.
Earnest, Fraktur: Folk Art & Family, pp. 99, 109.
Weiser & Heaney, Pa Germ. Fraktur in the Free Library of Phila. #870-872.
Deed printed on laid paper (with scalloped top edge) by Francis Bailey. Heading at top has "This Indenture made" in large fraktur-like lettering, surrounded by ornamentation including architectural device of architrave supported by squat columns of balusters with the words 'Peace and Plenty" interspersed within. At very top is "LANCASTER: Printed by FRANCIS BAILEY, in King's-Street."
Printed text has blanks filled in by hand in black ink as well as signatures below, on June 18 & 20 of 1774. Walter and Elizabeth Newman of "Hydelberg" Twp of Lancaster County are selling to "Frederick Kapp of "Hydelberg" Twp. Berks County a piece of ground in Heidelburg Twp of Berks Co. (at or near the "Town of Newbury"). Signed three times at bottom by Justice of the Peace Peter Spycker.
Two overlapping diamond shapes of paper affixed with sealing wax near bottom right. Reverse side has handwritten description of legal deed transaction for a Berks Co. property being sold by Walter Newman and wife to Frederick Kapp.
Bailey was the official printer to both the U.S. Congress and the Commonwealth. He operated a printing office at 14 W. King St. from 1773-1780, from where he produced many historic imprints including Thomas Paine's "Crisis No. 4" and the Articles of Confederation (1777).
Generally good with weakening fold lines and small holes at the intersections of fold lines. Minor soiling and staining, especially along the three vertical and one horizontal fold lines as well as edges.
Deed (indenture) printed by Ephrata Cloister on vellum for John Miller, blacksmith of Lancaster Borough, and his wife Elizabeth, for use in selling lots in the "Town Called "Millers Burgh." Blank areas are filled in by hand for sale of property to Margaret Stout for 50 pounds. Initially filled in on May 1, 1764, and completed at bottom on March 8, 1765. Pink linen ribbons and red sealing wax are affixed at bottom right. The headpieces printed at top left is done in elaborate letter style using the first two words "This indenture." Each initial line is done in the distinctive illuminated manner of Ephrata Cloister, employing floral and foliate designs.
Reverse is also used as a deed for the transfer of property for Margaret Stour to Patrick McElkar, begun 1770 and completed 1771. Red linen ribbons and red sealing wax are affixed to bottom right (of reverse).
Generally good, darkened and soiled on sections of reverse side, sprinkled stains and light soiling overall. Bottom right corner torn off. Three vertical and two horizontal fold lines.
Framed for 2006 Printed Word Exhibit.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2004-07-28
Condition Notes
Generally good, darkened and soiled on sections of reverse side, sprinkled stains and light soiling overall. Bottom right corner torn off. Three vertical and two horizontal fold lines.
