Printed Birth & Baptismal Record, Christian Schelly
Description
Printed birth and baptismal certificate, pictorial fame with central text block. Infill and hand coloring attributed to Heinrich Keyser, a school mast working in Warwick Twp.
The pictorial frame consists of eight different plates around a perimeter. The four corners each have a Gospel reference withing a floral oval (two from St. Matthew and two from St. John). The other four prints depict scenes of Christ: is baptism, crucifixion, ascension and his welcoming the children to come to him. Prints are hand-colored.
The central text block is printed in German, in traditional form, under the title: "Geburts und TaufSchein." Infill is executed in black ink in both fraktur-style lettering and script.
Certificate was done for the birth and baptism of Christian Schelly, son of Johannes and Catarina Kericher Schelly, born Dec. 18, 1823 (?) in Rapho Twp. and baptized 1833. At bottom of text is written that Christian was born under the sign of Pisces, under which a tiny pen and ink drawing is executed of two fish. (Written by Wendell Zercher.)
(more info on Schoolmaster Keyser in file)
Provenance
From Strasburg Antique Marker, Strasburg, PA for $245.00. Received on Aug. 11, 2000.
Generally acid-burned overall; extreme burn at edges of top and left side. Two liquid stains in lower text block which bleached the paper. Heavy fold lines have resulted in tears. with a triangular loss at terminus of right fold line. Additional tears at end of left fold line as well as two inches above this; also tear along bottom edge, one inch from right corner. Entire piece is pasted to acidic cardboard backing.
Printed angel form B & BC for Elizabeth Eichholtz, born 23 Jan 1810 to parents Johann David Eichholtz and wife Catharina nee Bott(in) in Lancaster City. Baptised 15 July by Rev. H. Hoffmeier. Sponsor was Elizabeth Bott(in).
Conventional form has 2 side angels with tall text block between. Imprint at bottom is "Reading, / Gedruckt und zu haben bey / Johann Ritter und Comp." On same line is written "und / H Keyser, Lancaster County". Keyser used bold black penwork in very large ornate letters on back at top, "Elizabeth Eichholtz." Heavy black ink has bled through to front. Below name is pencilled in German script: Died 14 April 1851 / her age was 41 yrs, 2 months and 22 days.
Infill in Lancaster by Heinrich Keyser, born c.1776 (active 1810-1856). Printed by J. Ritter.
Provenance
Unknown. Listed in "Papers for Birth Dayes", p. 441 as being sold at Horst Auction, Nov. 29, 1991. Purchased by LCHS??
Light soil, small stains and some foxing -- particularly around edges. Masking tape affixed to back at bottom center. Stain bled through to front. Small masking tape patch at lower left has also bled through. Scrivener used bold black penwork in very large ornate letters on back at top: "Elizabeth Eichholtz." This heavy black ink has bled through to front. Edges of paper has small nicks and is ragged.
Object ID
2017.999.25
Notes
One of the Fraktur Collection appraised by Rev. Fred Weiser, Sept. 1988. Numbered #2. No worksheet found. However, an Accession / Pre-Process Form lists Clarke Hess as the donor of this fraktur with a "Transfer Date" of 12/09/1993. This form has Collection # "MG-226." "Initial accession date" has entry of 2/10/1994. Form states it was in "Oversized Items Box 7, Item #2 / Compact Shelves, Side 17." This form is in object file.
Book of Wills for 1863-1867: The following is probable father of Elizabeth & husband of Catharine.
