Three Letters from 1792 Regarding stamps for The National Treasury
1792. A unique group of three letters in French written on folio sized pages and folded of French Revolutionary numismatic interest. The first letter dated May 13th, 1792 is written by Mr. De Surgy on behalf of Mr. Gerard regarding the production of stamps. The letter reads that he has made stamps for 25 assignats for 3000. He is now requesting 10,000 to make the stamps for the 50 assignats. It is required, he writes, because more work on his part to complete the 2nd stamp and he rushed to completed it in 10 days instead of 3 weeks. He also writes that he must make a 3rd stamp for those assignats. Members of the assignats commission declares that if Mr Gerard does not accept this price, they will give the commission to Mr. Nicolas-Marie Gatteaux (1751-1832). The next letter is dated May 16th, 1792 which includes the following that Mr. Gerard had asked for 5000 livres for the stamp to make the 25 assignats. Mr. Chaupin has declared that he would only pay 3000. It continues with a notation that Mr. Gerard refused and he is now asking the committee to give Mr. Gerard 3000 for the stamp that he has created. The third letter is by Gerard [and signed by him] thanking them for their letter and hoping to be useful to them again. He writes that he gave Mr. Deschamp copper he had left and told him where to get more. But, it did cost 56 for the copper and he is hoping that he will be reimbursed. There is a notation in different handwriting at the bottom of the page that it costs 22 for 13 ounces. Records indicate that Gatteaux is responsible for 25 and 50 assignats. However, these documents indicate a compensation dispute with Gerard which led to the work being taken over by Gatteaux. All three letters are written clear script. One letter has slight browning along the upper and lower edges with slight toning to the paper and a few chips. The other two are written on better quality paper. Very Good. Item #003170
Price: $3,500.00