1848 Handwritten Ledger Page with Fraktur Watercolor Bird, in Period Grain Painted Frame

Sale price $195.00 Regular price $250.00

This bird! It tweeted to me directly, refusing to let me leave it behind! And what a marvelous bird it is, pencil drawn then painted in super bright pink and yellow, with blue spots on the wings and for tail feathers. Its open beak points up toward the accounting of a William Glendining dated July 11, 1848, with amounts due for services including taking in wheat, cutting oats, and thrashing; costs for items including oats, cider, potatoes, various seeds, and straw; and cash lent for various things, including paying the County tax.  I'd like to think Glendening painted this himself to relieve some of the stress of the day, but perhaps one of his children got a hold if it. I love everything I sell, but I'll be especially more than happy to keep this one!

Page size: 11 7/8” x 7 1/2”. Framed as found 15 1/4” x 13 1/4”. Paper/painting is in very good condition, showing a little more yellow in first photo than actual, with a little staining down the left edge. The period grain painted frame shows some scratches in a few spots as pictured, but is lovely and I think suits the piece well. Wired on the back for hanging.