American Stationary with Manuscript Letter, 1854, Paper

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American stationery with in the top the following text printed: e pluribus unum – latin for "out of many, one" … Read more American stationery with in the top the following text printed: e pluribus unum – latin for "out of many, one" (also translated as "one out of many" or "one from many") – is a traditional motto of the united states, appearing on the great seal along with annuit cœptis (latin for "he approves the undertaking [lit. 'things undertaken']") and novus ordo seclorum (latin for "new order of the ages"); its inclusion on the seal was approved by an act of congress in 1782. While its status as national motto was for many years unofficial, e pluribus unum was still considered the de facto motto of the united states from its early history. Eventually, the united states congress passed an act (h. J. Resolution 396), adopting "in god we trust" as the official motto in 1956. The thirteen letters of e pluribus unum makes its use symbolic of the thirteen original states like the thirteen stripes on the us flag. The meaning of the phrase originates from the concept that out of the union of the original thirteen colonies emerged a new single nation. It is emblazoned across the scroll and clenched in the eagle's beak on the great seal of the united states. (source: wikipedia) text below the portraits: "the presidents of our great republic." letter paper with hand-colored engraving showing the portraits of the 14 presidents of the usa from george washington up to franklin pierce (president "from march 1853"). Publisher was charles magnus in new york., interesting type of stationery, of which a few variants are known: it was apparently updated once a new president was elected. The central president was the then sitting president (or in a variant george washington), surrounded by the portraits of his predecessors (or following presidents). Other copies traced have the central portrait of abraham lincoln (without beard) and a variant of the present franklin pierce's portrait showing him looking to the left (in our copy looking to the right). The publisher of the stationery, charles magnus was active between 1850-1899. Condition: 1 folded leaf, with 3-page manuscript letter in pen and ink in german signed by "f. Rosenthal", dated "new york den 28ten mai 1856". - splitting (and partly strengthened w. Paper tape) on folds. See less