American & Southern | September 23, 2026
Wed, Sep 23, 2026 10:00AM EDT
Lot 151
Early Original Copper Plate Memorial for George Washington, Baker/Whelen Provenance
Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000
Sold for
$1,500
Sold Price excludes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
(Philadelphia, active 1809-1845)
Memorial George Washington rectangular engraved beveled copper plate, a monument with floral filled urn, oval portrait of George Washington with reverse inscription "Born Feb. 22 1732 Died Dec. 14 1799", late 18th/early 19th century, stamped verso "J.B. Keim/Phila., 5-1/2 x 2-1/4 in.
Provenance: Ex-Collection William Spohn Baker; to his son-in-law and executor Henry Whelen, Jr. (1848-1907), Philadelphia banker and collector; his daughter Marie Elsie Whelen Clews (1880-1959); her son Mancha Madison Clews (1915–2006); By descent in family
Note: J.B. Keim was a Philadelphia supplier of copper plates for engravers. Active in the first quarter of the 19th century, they were used largely for historic documents, maps, and portraits. Coincidentally, he provided the plate for the Declaration of Independence engraved 1820-1823 by William J. Stone. His mark is stamped verso that plate which is held by the National Archives.
Available payment options
Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction, or will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.
Ex-Collection William Spohn Baker; to his son-in-law and executor Henry Whelen, Jr. (1848-1907), Philadelphia banker and collector; his daughter Marie Elsie Whelen Clews (1880-1959); her son Mancha Madison Clews (1915–2006); By descent in family
some imperfections verso in heavy plate, light surface abrasions
Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.
