Printed document is a naturalization certificate infilled for "Jacob Dickart" (sic), a prolific gunmaker of Lancaster. Printed on now-brown laid paper, it is a printed form for naturalizing foreigners who did not swear oaths. Now mounted in a modern black frame.
The certificate was designed for non-Quakers who had resided in the Commonwealth for seven years and who had never taken an oath of allegiance to King George II because of conscience, eg. Mennonites, Moravians & other sectarians who believe the Bible prohibits the swearing of oaths. Although Jacob is believed to have been raised in a Lutheran home, he later followed the Moravian faith.
Edward Shippen, Jr., Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of the Province of PA filled out this form for Dickert, who appeared before Judges William Atlin, William Coleman, and Alexander Stedman, in Phila. on Sept 24, 1765. An embossed seal is created out of a small square of paper and affixed to the upper left corner of the document.
HJ Kauffman notes that Dickert was born in Mainz, Germany in 1740, came to America with his parents in 1748. Family settled in Berks Co. and later, son Jacob moved to Lancaster in 1756, where he likely apprenticed with the gunmaker Matthias Roessor (as did Wm. Henry). Dickert worked c. 1760-1820. In 1764, he married Johanetta Hofer of York, PA, and the following year he travelled to Phila. to obtain this document. Kauffman states he was active in the Moravian church.
He died 1822.
See G90.7.1 file on Dickert rifle with family info. Transparency of a document with
General signs of age: soiling, minor foxing, dog eared corners with some minor losses. Fold line 3" from top, small holes along bottom. There is a backing of acidic paper which is attached with adhesive.
Mounted in a modern black frame by Lancaster Galleries for 2006 exhibit.
"Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Late eighteenth-century billhead of Benjamin Harbeson was printed from a plate engraved by Henry Dawkins, who was one of the earliest engravers in America. The importance of this item lies in its portrayal of the styles of vessels made at that time."(see same picture as a trade card #HK02-03-08)
Provenance
Photographs from the estate of Henry Kauffman. Description from page 36, "Earlhy American Copper, Tin & Brass, Henry J. Kauffman, 1995.
Early trade card of Benjamin Harbeson from Philadelphia, dates 1754. Obviously a very globular tea kettle.
(See billhead on HK-02-03-02)
Description on above referenced billhead: ""Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Late eighteenth-century billhead of Benjamin Harbeson was printed from a plate engraved by Henry Dawkins, who was one of the earliest engravers in America. The importance of this item lies in its portrayal of the styles of vessels made at that time."
Provenance
Photographs from the estate of Henry Kauffman. . Description from page 36, "Earlhy American Copper, Tin & Brass, Henry J. Kauffman, 1995.
Billhead of Benjamin Harbeson of Philadelphia. Notice the European style tea kettle in the center. He also illustrates several other objects which he made. Dated 1754
