Bidspirit auction | 1816. Hortler, George. Manuscript Land

1816. Hortler, George. Manuscript Land Indenture, Germantown, Philadelphia. (Document Signed) - This is a large format manuscript land indenture on vellum or heavy parchment, dated April 1, 1816. The document records the conveyance of a messuage and a tract of land measuring two acres, two quarters, and seven perches situated in Germantown Township, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. The transaction occurs between George Hortler, acting as the executor for the estate of the deceased Jacob Hortler, and Joseph Wise, for the consideration of one thousand nine hundred and seventy five dollars in current bank notes. The text is executed in a professional calligraphic hand with a prominent Gothic-style This Indenture heading. The property description includes detailed metes and bounds, mentioning neighboring landholders Abraham Paul Junior and Baltzer Essig. The document is signed at the lower right by George Hortler. Adjacent to the signature is an intact red wax seal affixed over a pink and white fabric ribbon. The document is witnessed by John Huston, a Justice of the Peace, and Isaac L. Rottenstein. The verso contains an endorsement identifying the parties and property, along with a recording statement dated May 9, 1867. This later entry is signed by Recorder J. T. Owen and notes that the deed was recorded in the Office for Recording Deeds for the City and County of Philadelphia in Deed Book J T O No 45, page 192. Width: approximately 28 inches. The document remains in good historical condition. It features prominent horizontal and vertical creases from being folded for long-term storage. There is evidence of light foxing and scattered localized staining, primarily concentrated along the fold lines and the outer margins. The ink is dark and consistently legible. The red wax seal is exceptionally well-preserved and remains firmly attached to the ribbon. The edges show minor wear and very light surface soiling, and there is some expected darkening to the parchment on the exposed outer folds of the verso.