DJR Authentication | An Appraisal & Authentication Co.
  • Home
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Submit Items By Mail
  • Sell To DJR
  • Online Fast Opinion
  • Verify Cert
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Submit Items By Mail
  • Sell To DJR
  • Online Fast Opinion
  • Verify Cert
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

8/18/2018

1776 Saur "Gun Wad" Bible: First bible printed in America with American-made type

Picture
The 1776 Saur Bible was the first bible printed in America with American-made type. The third edition of the Saur bible, printed by the third Christopher Saur (1721-1784), the son of the Christopher Saur who printed the 1763 second edition and grandson of the printer of the 1743 first edition, is considered rare and highly collectible partly because of the bizarre stories that have followed it throughout history. Legend has it that the sheets for Saur’s 1776 third printing  of the bible were ready for the binder but most of them ended up being destroyed when British soldiers invaded Germantown. The soldiers supposedly used the pages for cartridge paper or “gunwad”. In addition, to “gunwad”, the occupying British troops are said to have utilized the pages as firewood and horse bedding.

All the pages were said to have been destroyed except for 10 complete sets that were saved by Saur’s daughter, Catherine. The actual number of surviving pages has never been officially verified but it it is highly likely that very few complete sets survived.

​Because Christopher Saur was a pacifist, he refused to take an oath of allegiance to the newly formed state of Pennsylvania. Sour was tried and convicted and as a result his property including his printing shop, was seized and liquidated at auction.

​Interested in selling an item or collection? Maybe you have an item that needs to be appraised or authenticated? Whatever the reason, DJR Authentication is here to assist you. We are Charleston, SC's premier buyer, appraiser, authenticator and consultant of fine jewelry, antiques and collectibles, rare coins, historical memorabilia, sports memorabilia, fine art, collections of all kinds and other personal property. Call us today at (843) 352-7445 or fill out our free item evaluation form.

Comments are closed.
    Picture

    Author

    DJR Authentication is one of the nation's premier appraisers, authenticators, and consultants of jewelry, coins, collectibles, art, sports memorabilia, and other fine goods, located in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina. Schedule your appointment or learn more today at djrpro.com.

Copyright © 2021 DJR Authentication, LC. All rights reserved.  |  Terms  |  Privacy  |  Contact Us