FRANCIS SCOTT KEY

EXCEEDINGLY RARE VOLUME SIGNED BY AUTHOR OF THE ‘STAR SPANGLED BANNER’, FRANCIS SCOTT KEY

KEY, Francis Scott (1779-1843), his copy]. CROKE, Sir George. Reports of Sir George Croke, Knight, formerly one of the Justices of the Courts of King’s-Bench and Common-Pleas of such Select Cases as were Adjudged in the Said Courts during the Reign of James the First… Dublin: E. Lynch et al, 1792

8vo (232 x 142mm). Contemporary calf, morocco spine labels in slipcase. Provenance: Francis Scott Key, lawyer and author of “The Star Spangled Banner” (signature on title and bookplate).

Fourth edition. SIGNED BY FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (“F. S. Key”) on title and with his rare printed bookplate on the front pastedown (“F. S. Key, Georgetown – Columbia”). Key practiced law in Washington D. C, and this was undoubtedly from his law reference library there. This is volume two of Croke, published many years after volume one and considered complete in itself.

When this copy sold at Sotheby’s New York in 1994, it was described as containing a pencil notation on front free endpaper indicating that this copy had once belonged to Kingman Brewster.

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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.

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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?

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