SAMUEL FRANCIS SMITH

Music

SAMUEL FRANCIS SMITH PENS HIS FAMOUS AND ICONIC SONG “MY COUNTRY ‘TIS OF THEE”

“My country, ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing”“My country, ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing”

Boston-born Baptist minister and academic (1808–1895) best known as the lyricist of ‘America’ (’My Country ’Tis of Thee’), written while he was a student at Andover Theological Seminary. Smith’s stirring patriotic song, set to the same melody as the British national anthem (’God Save the Queen’), served as a de facto national anthem for much of the 19th century. AQS on two adjoining lightly lined off-white 5 x 8 sheets, signed at the conclusion “S. F. Smith, Written in 1832, March 16, 1895.” Smith pens all four stanzas of “America.” In part: “My country, ’tis of thee,/Sweet land of liberty,/Of thee I sing;/Land where my fathers died,/Land of the pilgrims’ pride,/From every mountainside,/Let freedom ring…. Our father’s God to Thee,/Author of liberty,/To Thee we sing./Long may our land be bright,/With freedom’s holy light,/Protect us by Thy might,/Great God our King.” Fine condition. The writing is clear and distinct throughout. Examples of this classic collectible Americana including all four stanzas have become quite elusive.

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FAQ

How can I tell if my autograph is authentic?

Authenticating an autograph is a complex process that entails numerous factors such as the paper, ink, and penmanship. Comparing these elements to known examples is crucial in determining authenticity. If you lack experience in this area, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of professionals who can handle the task with expertise.

How are autographs priced?

The value of an autograph is influenced by various factors, including rarity, condition, content, and association. Accordingly, assigning a general value to letters can be challenging. This uniqueness is what adds thrill to autograph collecting and makes pricing a demanding task.

Are autographs a good investment?

The autograph market is subject to fluctuations like any other market and is sensitive to factors such as supply, demand, and the overall state of the economy. The autograph market differs from other markets as the availability, or supply, of autographs stops after an individual’s death. With the growth of the internet increasing the number of collectors and erasing geographical boundaries, there has been an upsurge in demand for autographs worldwide. Due to ongoing demand and limited supply, autograph prices have inevitably risen over the years, as witnessed by the Brams Collection. It is not advisable to invest in autographs for financial gain, as the autograph market is not especially “liquid” and does not pay dividends. Nevertheless, we believe that autographs are a stable financial investment that should increase in value over time. However, the rate of increase cannot be predicted or guaranteed with precision.

Are all your autographs and Items on your website?

We have a vast collection of autographs and items that are currently not uploaded on our website. If you do not find what you are looking for, please get in touch with us and we will be delighted to search our inventory for you.

What does a first-time buyer need to know?

Many advise collectors to specialize in a particular area of interest. However, your collection should provide you with personal satisfaction, and not focus solely on making a profitable investment or following the current trend. Always aim for top-quality pieces within your budget, recognizing that items not reaching your standard will remain mediocre. As a collector, it is essential to understand the market and ask pertinent questions before purchasing. Forming a trusted relationship with dealers can help them find desirable pieces to add to your collection.

How do you guarantee authenticity?

At Brams Collection, we pride ourselves on our extensive collection of authentic source materials. Our founder, Daniel Brams, is an expert in ink, paper, and penmanship, and has a deep understanding of the history of autographs and authentication techniques. We offer an unconditional guarantee of authenticity to the original purchaser, with no time limit. In addition, we promise competitive prices, prompt and courteous service, and a satisfaction guarantee.

My search returned no results. What should I do?

If you have conducted a thorough search using accurate spelling of the name or subject, and are unable to locate the item you desire, please reach out to us via our contact page. Our team will diligently search our inventory for autographs or items that may align with your interests.

What forms of Payment do you accept?

We accept a variety of payment methods including VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, debit cards, wire transfers, U.S. money orders, and checks drawn on American banks. For new customers, payment for purchases will be requested in advance. Existing clients are typically invoiced with a net 30-day payment term.

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Please contact us, whether you desire to purchase an item of historic significance or to sell your valuable piece of history.