An Ornate Diploma for the Society of the Cincinnati, Signed by Its President, George Washington, and Its Secretary, Henry Knox

The Society of the Cincinnati was formed after the Revolutionary War and composed of officers of the Continental Army. It was formed “for the laudable purpose of inculcating the duty of laying down in peace arms assumed for public defense, and of uniting in acts of brotherly affection and bonds of perpetual friendship the members constituting the same.” George Washington took a great interest in the Society and was its first president. A gorgeous engraved membership diploma was designed by Pierre-Charles L’Enfant and produced on vellum, showing American Liberty with a Union Flag and eagle, as well as broken British emblems and Britannia herself fleeing America. The diploma states that the order was “instituted by the Officers of the American Army at the Period of its Dissolution, as well to commemorate the great Event which gave Independence to North America, as for the laudable Purpose of inculcating the Duty of laying down in Peace Arms assumed for public Defense, and of uniting in Acts of brotherly Affection and bonds of perpetual Friendship the Members constituting the same.” These diplomas were signed by Washington as Society president and General Henry Knox as secretary. They are highly prized as visual mementos of the Revolution and its American officers.

Magnificent document signed, Mount Vernon, being a diploma for a member of the order, waiting only to be filled in upon an officer’s elevation to the order. Because the ink so often took poorly to the sheepskin, these diplomas often have faded signatures of Washington. This one is much better than most. It is also our first signed Society diploma in seven years.