19th Century Handwritten Deed Abstract

By bayareaboater, 20 September, 2014

Description

I have 5 "books", in which one is hand written and the rest "typed" on what looks like cellophane vellum paper. There are embossed seals, as well as signatures. They record the transfers and abstracts of deeds in the City of Alameda, Ca. around 1890's. Most are specific to a general area or land, as I maybe assume these were city copies and may have been copied fir land owners or buyers. All have either "Searcher of Records " or " Land Title Co.," etc. Most have "ARB ABST " folllowed by a letter than number, as to categorize them for shelving for example: "ARB ABST NO : A-135."

Category

General Antiques and Collectibles

Medium

All are from some hard board like material, and paper is mainly (stock?) With the exception of a few with vellum or a (thinner?) material.

Distinguishing marks

Many have authentic city embossed seals, along with Alameda County Secretary and Manager signature. Spines are in pretty rough shape. Most of the books are bound by some sort of lace or wide string.

Condition

Fair

Size and dimensions of this item

Looks to be around legal size.

Date Period

Late 19th Century (1887-1910)

Weight

Each would weigh around 2-3 pounds or so.

History

I've taken them to high end/low end book appraiser and sellers. I've taken them to auction houses and even tried eBay. No one has ever really been able to tell me too much about them, as mainly one sees collected volume sets of mass produced copies, certainly without signatures and city seals. Seal and signatures have been noted to be authentic.

Price Paid (If known)

(salvaged from cinstruction site and given authority to claim ownership).

For Sale?

Yes

Photos