United States of America-Department of the Interior. Act of March 3, 1855. 80 Acres Bounty Land. Hessler-Not listed. Issued. Very Fine.The next highest acreage for this act (there were also 120 Acres certificates issued) and a fully issued example. This Act and type is not listed in Hessler. Printed on bond paper by Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson. 30.5cm by 23.0cm. Another great layout on the broad sheet. Obligations across with titles at the top. The main vignette at top center is very rarely seen (it is used on one American obsolete banknote: The Patriotic Bank, Hutsonville, Illinois $10 sold in the Newman Part VI sale). The War of 1812 scene portrayed is identified by the quote seen at the bottom: "Ill try sir." This was James Millers response to General Brown at the Battle of Lundys Lane. The image is vividly patriotic for the service and valor of the War of 1812 combatants who received these land certificates. Male portrait left and Winfield Scott at the right. Lower left vignette is also rarely seen and its fierce Indian attack upon a woman with infant appears historical (the "Death of Jane McCrea?"). In context. Lower right farmer. Red protector with outlined 80 on shield and text above and below. Bottom, transfer form. No. 40176 and issued in 1856 for service to a Tennessee Militia member. Blank verso with multiple Alabama related endorsements. Included are typed, notarized, documents from after 1900 concerning the piece and purchasing the land rights. Crisp and bright, wax seal remnants and some minor holes. Vignettes are striking. Purchased over a generation ago at the 1990 Memphis Sale by Smythe & Co. directly after the previous piece.From the John E. Herzog Collection; 1990 Memphis Sale #89 (NASCA division of R.M. Smythe & Co. June 15-16, 1990, lot 2586).
