May 2013 Auction Ends Tuesday, May 21st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2013
Original 1764 publication of the Sugar Act of Parliament -- also called the American Revenue Act, which passed on 5 April 1764 in Great Britain amid a tense political climate. Passed a year after the Seven Years War, Britain found itself in heavy debt, as did the colonies, and a fiery debate about taxation began, ultimately leading to the American Revolution. Though the Sugar Act of 1764 halved the previous tax on molasses, it established greater enforcement to collect the revenues, and also raised taxes on wines, coffee and other foodstuffs. Officially titled, ''An Act for Granting Certain Duties in the British Colonies and Plantations in America'' its title page reads, ''Printed by Mark Baskett, Printer to the King's most Excellent Majesty; and by the Assigns of Robert Baskett in 1764.'' The preamble reads in part: ''...it is expedient that new provisions and regulations should be established for improving the revenue of this Kingdom...and...it is just and necessary that a revenue should be raised...for defraying the expenses of defending, protecting, and securing the same.'' Original act is quite scarce, as they were only printed for members of Parliament, officers of state, and the judiciary. Bound in maroon cloth buckram boards, Act is printed on 14 sheets, or pp. 275-299 of original volume. Measures 8'' x 12.5'' with pencil notations in an unknown hand to flyleaf and title page. Very good to near fine condition.
Original Printing of the 1764 Sugar Act -- Act Responsible for the ''No Taxation Without Representation'' Revolt by Colonists, Leading to the American Revolution
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