(WAR OF 1812) [Key Francis Scott] Newspaper printing of Defe

Sale 2505 - Lot 214

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Estimate: $ 7,000 - $ 10,000

O! SAY, CAN YOU SEE, BY THE DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT (WAR OF 1812.) [Key, Francis Scott.] Newspaper printing of "Defence of Fort McHenry" (the Star-Spangled Banner) in the National Intelligencer. On the final of 4 pages, 20 3/4 x 13 inches, on one disbound folding sheet; first leaf lacking a 3-inch square clipping and with a repaired 7-inch incision (neither affecting the song), 5 small early ink marks (one bleeding through to the song), minor foxing; uncut; inked subscriber's name in masthead. Washington, 27 September 1814

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An early printing of what became the national anthem, to be sung to the tune of "Anacreon in Heaven." The first newspaper printing was on 20 September 1814 in the Baltimore Patriot. It is here presented with the Patriot's introduction, describing the circumstances under which the song was written: "In the night he watched the Bomb-Shells, and at early dawn his eye was again greeted by the proudly-waving flag of his country." The Intelligencer editor inserted his own comment on the anonymous song: "Whoever is the author of these lines, they do equal honor to his principles and his talents." The National Intelligencer was issued in both daily and tri-weekly editions; this is the tri-weekly edition. Filby & Howard, Star-Spangled Books N11 (for the 26 September daily edition).