Declaration of Independence facsimile

1848 Declaration of Independence facsimile printed by Peter Force. This is one of multiple facsimilies printed in 1848 from an etched copper plate generated for an earlier edition of facsimilies printed by William J. Stone in 1823 through the use of a "wet-ink transfer process." After 1823, the plate was slightly altered prior to the 1848 printing. The 1848 facsimiles were commissioned by Congress for includsion in a book series entitled, "The American Archives," a compilation of archives from 1774-1777 including reproductions of significan founding documents that were folded and inserted into a bound volume. "W.J. Stone S C. Wash'n" is printed in the lower left, below Walton's 'signature' within the plate mark. This mark is consistent with the changes made to the printing plate for the 1848 edition.

Evidence of previous storage in a folded format remains, as multiple creases run in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Previous treatment of the document includedphysical stabilization in the form of adhered Japanese paper strips to mend tears and reinforce weakened folds, and shaped paper inserts to fill losses in the paper sheet. In some instances, the shaped inserts were additionally reinforced with Japanese paper mends applied on the verso. The document underwent an additional conservation treatment by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in 2007 when it was sealed in a package consisting of ultraviolet-filtering acrylic glazing, matting, alkaline backing, and Marvelseal on the back. This package was then supported in a modern frame for exhibition.