September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
Various places including Boston, London, Lake George and Philadelphia, 1739 - 1789; 10 documents printed and manuscript on vellum and paper, various sizes, signed, many with papered seals (various tears and spotting); preserved with his original leather wallet with brass clasp.
Archive relating to the professional career of Robert Bass, who studied pharmacology and medicine in London, became an apothecary in the British Army, serving in North America during the French & Indian War, and later settled in Philadelphia, where he became a noted physician. The archive consists of the following:
1. George II, King of England. Indenture of Robert Bass as apprentice to John Hallam, an apothecary in Boston. 22 August 1739. Printed form with manuscript accomplishment, signed by Bass and two witnesses. 6 ¼ x 8 1/8 in.; 155 x 206 mm. 3 embossed stamps, woodcut royal crest.
2. George II, King of England. Appointment of Robert Bass as Apothecary’s Mate. London, 9 May 1747. Manuscript document on vellum. 10 x 13 1/2 in.; 255 x 342 mm. Signed by secretary and commissary general. Papered seals.
3. George II, King of England. Appointment of Robert Bass as Apothecary’s Mate. Kensington, 24 September 1754. Manuscript document on vellum, 10 x 13 ¾ in.; 255 x 350 mm., signed by secretaries, papered seal.
4. Abercrombie, James, General. Appointment of Robert Bass as Apothecary to his Majesty’s Hospitals in North America. Given in the camp at Lake George, 15 August 1758. Manuscript document on vellum, 9 ½ x 12 5/8 in.; 240 x 320 mm., signed by General Abercrombie and secretaries, papered seal.
5. Cooper, Thomas, M.D. Certification that Robert Bass attended his lectures on the art of midwifery and is therefore qualified for the exercise of that profession. Engraved form with manuscript accomplishment, 12 ¾ x 9 1/8 in.; 324 x 232 mm. London, 14 May 1765.
6. John Vause. Quit claim of his partnership with Robert Bass. Philadelphia, 15 October 1765. Manuscript document, signed, red wax seal; tears in text and folds.
7. Robert Bass. Bond and Warrant of Attorney for a Loan. To the trustees of the College Academy and Charitable School of Philadelphia. Philadelphia, 28 July 1770. Printed form with manuscript accomplishment, folio; lower outer corner with seal torn away.
8. Society of the Sons of St. George. Robert Bass elected as resident member of said society. Philadelphia, 23 April 1772, sealed and witnessed on 9 June 1772. Printed document with manuscript accomplishment, papered seal; torn at folds.
9. Later engraved version, on parchment, of same membership election of 23 April 1772, but witnessed and sealed on 23 October 1789.
10. Peter Manifold. Promise to Robert Bass and his wife Rebecca, to pay for land in the short-lived republic of Vermont. Philadelphia, 19 August 1789. Manuscript document, signed.
Item Dimensions: 14 - 1/2" x 11".