1787 Benjamin Franklin Signed Deed

Appraised on: June 30, 2007

Appraised in: Orlando, Florida

Appraised by: Joyce Kosofsky

Category: Books & Manuscripts

Episode Info: Orlando, Hour 2 (#1205)

Originally Aired: February 4, 2008

IMAGE: 1 of 2  

Appraisal Video: (1:32)

GUEST: This is a land document that comes from my father-in-law's side of the family. It's five generations deep. It's in regard to the purchase of land in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Once the deal was made, I can only assume that perhaps it was tucked away in a box like we probably would do with our documents today. My grandfather ended up finding this in a box, unraveled it and then placed it between this glass, and this is where we are today.

APPRAISER: It is a deed. It's from 1787, as you said. From Pennsylvania County. It's also signed by Benjamin Franklin, which makes this fabulous. The other condition issue I wanted to point out was this, the seal. It should be red, but because it is from 1787, it just probably faded over time. But it really doesn't detract from the value of the document. It's a fabulous document. If I had it in my shop, I'd have no problem putting a $5,000 to $7,000 price tag on it.

GUEST: Wow. That's fabulous. This wasn't actually noticed until grandfather. Nobody knew about that.

APPRAISER: That's... that's the money right there.

GUEST: Wow. My boss says I'm not an active listener, but I heard what you said. Thank you.

APPRAISER: No, thank you for bringing it.

GUEST: Wow. That is unbelievable.