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A Rare Primary-Source Document of 19th-Century Naval Engineering and Transatlantic Industrial Formation.
This original vellum agreement, dated August 15, 1878, documents the formal transfer of intellectual property and the incorporation of the "Mallory Propeller Company Limited." It serves as a significant intersection of American political leadership, Reconstruction-era military history, and pioneering maritime engineering.
Historical Significance & Signatories
This manuscript features the signatures of major historical figures of the era:
Joseph R. Hawley: A Union Brigadier General, former Governor of Connecticut, and long-serving U.S. Senator.
William H. Mallory: A noted inventor and former Union cavalry officer, recognized here for his advancements in marine propulsion.
The document formalizes the transfer of British Letters Patent (1867 and 1874) related to "Improved Combined Ships Propeller" technology, bridging the gap between American innovation and British industrial registration. It is an exceptional artifact for collections focusing on Reconstruction-era figures, 19th-century patent law, or the evolution of naval propulsion.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: THE USS ALARM CONNECTION
This document is not merely a legal agreement; it is a primary source artifact documenting the very technology tested on the USS Alarm, the U.S. Navy’s experimental "torpedo ram" vessel. This contract formalizes the transfer of the specific "improved combined steering and propelling screw" technology that William H. Mallory developed and saw implemented during the experimental phase of the Alarm. It offers a direct, authenticated link between Union military leadership and the cutting-edge (and often controversial) naval innovation of the late 19th century.
Document Specifications
Format: Original 19th-century vellum document with red-ruled legal borders.
Condition: Structurally sound with crisp, legible period ink signatures. The vellum exhibits authentic age-related toning, fold lines, and minor staining consistent with a document of its age.
Parties: The agreement is signed by Joseph R. Hawley, William H. Mallory, Samuel Owens, and John Thomas Peacock.
Provenance: This is a standalone historical artifact, preserved in its original legal format.
Shipping & Handling
This historical artifact will be shipped with extreme care. We utilize secure, flat-packed, and insured shipping with tracking and insurance to ensure its safe arrival.
