Jonah Patel
The United States Constitution was first printed in 1787 during the Constitutional Convention by Dunlap & Claypoole, who printed 820 draft copies and 500 final copies. The original constitution was written on parchment paper, which was seen as a more formal, luxurious, and durable medium of writing than standard paper. Parchment was also used for important documents as it was more resistant to degradation over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of paper | Parchment paper |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Copies printed | 500 |
| Printing cost | $420 |
| Printer | Dunlap & Claypoole |
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What You'll Learn
The US Constitution was printed on parchment paper
The process of printing the US Constitution on parchment paper began during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Dunlap & Claypoole, the official printers for Congress, were responsible for producing both the drafts and final copies. The final printing consisted of 500 copies of a six-page broadside with Caslon small-pica type.
Out of the 500 final copies printed by Dunlap & Claypoole, only 13 original copies are known to exist today. These rare documents are valued for their historical significance and are carefully preserved. The original Constitution of the United States is on permanent exhibit in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum, where visitors can admire not only its content but also the unique qualities of the parchment paper on which it was printed.
The use of parchment paper for the US Constitution has had a lasting impact on how this important document is perceived and reproduced. Replicas and antiqued versions of the Constitution are often printed on similar parchment paper to evoke a sense of history and authenticity. The paper's ageing process contributes to the overall aesthetic, creating a product that resembles a time-capsule discovery.
The choice of parchment paper for the US Constitution underscores the importance and longevity of the document. By using a material that ages gracefully and develops a unique character over time, the Constitution's creators ensured that their words would endure and continue to inspire generations to come.
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The parchment paper was made from animal skin
The United States Constitution was first printed in 1787, during the Constitutional Convention. The original copies were printed on parchment paper, which was made from animal skin. Parchment paper has a unique appearance, with crinkles and an aging process that gives each document a distinct look. Over time, parchment paper may darken due to discoloration.
Parchment paper has a long history and was commonly used for important documents and writings in ancient and medieval times. It is created by preparing animal skin, typically from sheep, goats, or calves, through a process of scraping, stretching, and drying. This results in a durable and long-lasting writing surface.
The use of parchment paper for the Constitution is significant. It not only provides a sense of durability and permanence but also adds to the document's historical authenticity. The choice of parchment paper may have been intentional, reflecting the seriousness and importance attributed to the founding document of the nation.
The process of making parchment paper from animal skin is an ancient craft. It involves several steps to transform the animal hide into a suitable writing surface. First, the hide is cleaned and soaked in water to remove any hair or remaining flesh. Then, it is stretched on a frame and scraped repeatedly to remove any remaining impurities and create a smooth surface.
The prepared hide is then treated with a mixture of lime, salt, and water, known as "scouring," to further clean and soften the skin. After this, the hide is dried and then stretched again to ensure it remains taut and smooth. Finally, the surface is polished to create a suitable writing surface, resulting in a sheet of parchment paper ready for use.
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The parchment was produced by hand by Jesse Meyer
The United States Constitution was first printed by Dunlap & Claypoole in 1787, during the Constitutional Convention. The original copy of the U.S. Constitution was written on parchment paper. Parchment paper is thick, with crinkles and an aging process that gives it a unique appearance. The paper may also darken over time.
The parchment used for the Constitution was produced by hand by Jesse Meyer. Meyer was a renowned paper maker and craftsman. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his expertise in creating high-quality parchment. Meyer's parchment was made from animal skin, typically calfskin or sheepskin, that had been stretched, scraped, and prepared for writing. The process of making parchment was a labour-intensive and time-consuming task, requiring a great deal of skill and precision.
Meyer's involvement in the creation of the Constitution is a testament to the importance placed on the durability and longevity of this foundational document. Parchment was chosen over other types of paper due to its strength and ability to withstand the test of time. It was essential that the Constitution be preserved for future generations, and parchment was seen as the ideal medium to ensure its longevity.
In addition to its practical considerations, the choice of parchment also carried symbolic significance. Parchment had a long history of being used for important documents and was associated with permanence and authority. By inscribing the Constitution on parchment, the founding fathers further emphasised the weight and significance of the document they were creating.
Today, replicas of the U.S. Constitution are often printed on antiqued parchment paper to mimic the look and feel of the original document. These replicas allow people to appreciate the historical significance of the Constitution and the care that went into its creation, thanks to the skilled craftsmanship of Jesse Meyer.
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The final printing consisted of 500 copies
The United States Constitution was first printed by Dunlap & Claypoole in 1787, during the Constitutional Convention. John Dunlap and David C. Claypoole were designated as Congress's official printer in 1778 and had been printing for Congress since 1775. During the 1787 Constitutional Convention, they printed 820 draft copies and 500 final copies at a total cost of $420. The final printing consisted of 500 copies of a six-page broadside with Caslon small-pica type.
The original Constitution of the United States is on permanent exhibit in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum. From the original printing, 13 original copies are known to exist. The paper used for the copies is described as thick, antiqued, and similar to parchment. The copies are printed on four separate pages, with small writing.
The printing of the Constitution was a significant event in the history of the United States. The document outlines the country's laws and governance, and the copies were distributed to ensure that the information was accessible to those who needed it. The printing of the Constitution also marked the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, a process that began in 1787 with the drafting of the document.
The 500 copies of the final printing were likely distributed to key individuals and institutions, such as members of Congress, state legislatures, and federal conventions. These copies would have been carefully preserved and may have been passed down through the years, becoming valuable historical artefacts. Some of the original copies may even have been framed and displayed, just like the replicas available today.
Today, replicas of the Constitution are available for purchase, often printed on antiqued parchment paper to resemble the original document. These replicas are popular among history enthusiasts and collectors, serving as a reminder of the country's founding principles and the hard work that went into drafting and ratifying the Constitution.
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The paper has unique characteristics, like crinkles
The US Constitution was first printed in 1787 during the Constitutional Convention. The original copies were printed on parchment paper, which has a unique, antique appearance with crinkles and an ageing process that gives each document a distinct look. The paper used for the Constitution is described as thick and has an unusual texture. The parchment may darken over time due to a natural process of ageing, and it is recommended that the document be framed behind UV-protective coated glass to prevent discolouration.
The National Archives Store offers a full-size replica of the US Constitution, reproduced on parchment writing paper that has undergone an exclusive ageing process to replicate the original document's appearance. This replica is created in Philadelphia by a family-owned company and is designed to capture the historical significance of the Constitution.
The choice of parchment paper for the US Constitution is notable, as it contributes to the document's distinctive aesthetic and tactile qualities. The crinkles and imperfections in the paper add to its character and make each copy slightly different. This attention to detail in the reproduction process ensures that those who own replicas can appreciate the document's historical significance and the care that went into its creation.
The use of parchment paper also connects the US Constitution to other important historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Gettysburg Address, which are often printed on similar antiqued paper. This choice of paper helps to emphasise the significance and enduring nature of the documents and creates a sense of continuity between them.
Overall, the unique characteristics of the paper used for the US Constitution, including its crinkles and ageing process, contribute to its visual impact and symbolic value. The use of parchment paper adds to the document's sense of history and importance, making it a cherished part of American heritage.
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Frequently asked questions
Parchment paper was used for the US Constitution.
Parchment was seen as a more formal, luxurious medium of writing, especially in the context of preservation and archiving.
The decision was likely made by John Dunlap and David C. Claypoole, the printers of the US Constitution.
English laws were generally engrossed (produced in large, bold print) onto parchment paper. Parchment was also used for important documents like diplomas, which were written on vellum made from animal hides.
The original US Constitution is on permanent exhibit in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.
