Advanced Search 
Membership Certificate for the Salem Marine Society
1797
Medium/Technique
Engraving with manuscript additions and wax seal
Dimensions
Platemark: 21.6 x 27.9 cm (8 1/2 x 11 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Charles Hitchcock Tyler
Accession Number33.809
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
Catalogue Raisonné
Stauffer 689; Bev. B 301
DescriptionThe certificate was prepared for the Salem shipmaster and grocer Thomas Chipman (b. November 18, 1756 - d. December 4, 1821). Chipman was enrolled in the Salem Marine Society on September 27, 1792, but the certificate itself is dated 26 October 1797. The certificate appears to have been designed and printed in 1797, so Chipman probably received one of the early impressions from the plate.
InscriptionsIn plate, in cartouche, with ms additions indicated in [square brackets]:
Salem. No. [125] / These are to Certify that [Thomas Chipman] / was by a Majority of Votes regularly admitted a / Member of the Salem Marine Society, at a Meeting / held the [27] day of [Septr 1792] Given under my hand & the / Seal of the Society this [26] day of [Octr.] A.D. [1797] /
[Jon Mosson] Secy. / [Benja. West] Master
In plate, under cartouche, at left: A. Northey Junr. Del.
In plate, under cartouche, at right: J. Hill Sculpt. Boston
Verso, in graphite: Property of / F. Nordstrom, / Melrose, / Mass. / 1923
Salem. No. [125] / These are to Certify that [Thomas Chipman] / was by a Majority of Votes regularly admitted a / Member of the Salem Marine Society, at a Meeting / held the [27] day of [Septr 1792] Given under my hand & the / Seal of the Society this [26] day of [Octr.] A.D. [1797] /
[Jon Mosson] Secy. / [Benja. West] Master
In plate, under cartouche, at left: A. Northey Junr. Del.
In plate, under cartouche, at right: J. Hill Sculpt. Boston
Verso, in graphite: Property of / F. Nordstrom, / Melrose, / Mass. / 1923
Provenance1923, F. Nordstrom, Melrose, MA. Charles Hitchcock Tyler, Brookline, MA; 1933, bequesy of Tyler to the MFA.