Bidspirit auction | 1834 Philadelphia Real Estate Indenture,

1834 Philadelphia Real Estate Indenture, Helmuth to Many - This original legal indenture, dated December 20, 1834, documents a real estate transaction in the City of Philadelphia. The document is a pre-printed form on heavy wove paper with extensive manuscript additions in iron gall ink and an elaborate calligraphic header. The grantors are identified as William S. Helmuth, a Physician and Trustee for Catharine Helmuth; John K. Helmuth, a Merchant; and Catharine Helmuth (formerly Catharine Sheaff). The grantee is Charles Cortland Many. The text provides a detailed legal description of a square of ground bounded to the east by Schuylkill Seventh Street (now 16th Street), to the west by Schuylkill Sixth Street (now 17th Street), to the south by Lombard Street, and to the north by Pine Street. The document recites a history of ownership including patents and deeds dating back to 1782, mentioning individuals such as John Little, James Thomson, and William Sheaff. The document bears the original manuscript signatures of William S. Helmuth Trustee, John K. Helmuth, Catharine Helmuth, and Chas. C. Many on the lower right panel. Each signature is accompanied by a red wax seal covered by a diamond-shaped paper tab. It is witnessed and attested by H. Booton, identified as an Alderman and Justice of the Peace, and W.W. Marriner. The reverse features a large serrated-edge paper seal over red wax from the Office for Recording Deeds for the City and County of Philadelphia, noting the document was recorded on May 7, 1841. The exterior panel is hand-docketed with the names of the parties and the recording date. Approximately 20 x 24 inches. The document is in good historical condition. It retains deep permanent creasing from being stored folded for a significant duration. There are minor tears and small pinhole losses at the intersections of the fold lines. Light scattered foxing, minor staining, and general handling soil are present throughout. The ink remains dark and legible, and all seals and signatures are intact.